Rename a network dataset and participant feature classes in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, renaming a network dataset and its associated feature classes is not directly possible due to the underlying structure of network datasets. Network datasets comprise tightly coupled elements such as relationship classes and network attributes. These components are dependent on the exact names and structure of the dataset and renaming a network dataset or participant layers can potentially corrupt it and make it unusable. This can be seen by opening the Network Dataset Properties and the error "Cannot connect to database" displays.

Cause

Network datasets are composed of tightly coupled elements such as relationship classes and network attributes. These components are dependent on the exact names and structure of the dataset. Renaming a network dataset directly can break these relationships, potentially corrupting the data or making the dataset unusable. Therefore, renaming is not allowed to ensure that the relationships and data integrity within the network dataset are preserved.

Procedure

To rename a network dataset and its feature classes, follow the steps below:

1. Delete the network dataset:
   • Before renaming, the existing network dataset must be deleted. This breaks the connections between the feature classes and the network dataset, allowing you to rename the feature classes.
2. Rename the feature classes:
   
   • Once the network dataset is deleted, rename the feature classes inside the geodatabase as needed.
3. Re-create the network dataset:
   
   • After renaming the feature classes, use the 'Build Network' tool to re-create the network dataset with the new names. For more details about when to rebuild a Network Dataset, see Network Dataset Rebuild.
   • Ensure that you configure the network dataset with the same parameters and network attributes as the original.
   • For more details, see Set a network attribute
4. Test the new network dataset:
   Perform network analysis operations on the newly created dataset to verify that all relationships and functionality are intact.