How To: Build a spatial index for a shapefile

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to create a spatial index for a shapefile.

Procedure

 

1. Start ArcCatalog.
2. Navigate to the location of the shapefile.
3. Right-click the shapefile and select Properties.
4. Select the Index tab.
5. Click the Add button in the Spatial Index section.
    

   Note:
   If the Add button is disabled, the shapefile may be locked by ArcMap. Save the map document and close ArcMap before attempting step 5 again.