Frequently asked question

Can I use a relative path for Browse Graphics with the metadata?

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Answer

No, The metadata system always uses a temporary system directory (TMP) as the current directory. This is because Desktop needs to process the metadata files before working with them. The result of the process is a temporary XML file that exists in the TMP location. When any changes are saved they go back to the original location, but all real-time processing is done using the file in TMP. Therefore, there is no way to change the current directory so that browse graphics will be found using a relative path, unless the path is relative to the TMP location. This isn't typically helpful, so a full path is required.

Article ID:000008635

Software:
  • ArcMap 9 x

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