PROBLEM

The Identify tool does not indicate whether shapes are M or Z aware

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Description

When the ArcMap Identify tool is used on layers that are M or Z aware, the Shape field in the Identify Results dialog box does not specify that the identified shapes store M (measure) or Z values.

Cause

In ArcGIS, M and Z values are stored in feature geometry. The Shape field value, in several places in ArcMap and ArcCatalog, indicates whether or not a feature class is M or Z aware; for example, Shape = Polygon M. The Shape field in the Identify Results dialog box does not provide this information.

Solution or Workaround

There are two ways to determine if a feature class is M or Z aware:

  • In ArcMap, open the feature layer's attribute table. A feature class' awareness of Ms or Zs is indicated by the geometry type shown in the Shape field. For example, a polygon feature class that is aware of Ms has Polygon M as its value.
  • In ArcCatalog, double-click a feature class to access its properties. The Shape field indicates whether or not the feature class is M or Z aware.

Article ID: 000002766

Software:
  • ArcMap 8 x
  • ArcMap 9 x

Receive notifications and find solutions for new or common issues

Get summarized answers and video solutions from our new AI chatbot.

Download the Esri Support App

Discover more on this topic

Get help from ArcGIS experts

Contact technical support

Download the Esri Support App

Go to download options