Error exporting data. Spatial index grid is too small [out class name]

Error Message

When exporting a layer to an SDE database with the 'Use the same Coordinate System as the data frame' option, ArcMap returns ths message:

"Error: Error exporting data. Spatial index too small[out class name]."

This message is followed by two additional messages:

"ArcMap Warning: Some records may not have been exported correctly"

and

"Export Layer Data: There was an error exporting the layer"

Cause

Although ArcMap uses coordinates of the data frame, it uses the spatial grid associated with the data. This may cause an inadequate grid size when exporting. For example, exporting a layer stored in geographic coordinates exported from a data frame in a UTM projection will produce an error message.

Solution or Workaround

Use ArcCatalog to build an appropriate spatial index for the feature class.

1. Start ArcCatalog and navigate to the dataset whose spatial index needs adjusting.
2. Right-click the feature class and select Properties.
3. Switch to the Indexes tab.
4. Delete the spatial index, if present.
5. Click the Add button.
6. Type in new index parameters and click OK.
7. Click OK to build the spatial index.
8. Close the Properties dialog box.