How To: Create a data dictionary of a file geodatabase using the X-Ray for ArcCatalog add-in

Summary

Data dictionary is a catalog or table containing information about the datasets stored in a database. The data dictionary might contain the full names of attributes, meanings of codes, scale of the source data, accuracy of locations, and map projections used. Creating a data dictionary allows other users in an organization to view the information about the data.

Data dictionaries are also available online such as this version of Data Dictionary for the Local Government Information Model (LGIM). However, at times users are not using the latest version, therefore the database schema is different. The X-Ray for ArcCatalog add-in provides the tools to create an HTML document of the data dictionary for any database.

The following instructions describe how to create a data dictionary of a file geodatabase using the X-Ray for ArcCatalog add-in.

Note:
The X-Ray for ArcCatalog add-in requires an ArcGIS Desktop Standard or Advanced license.

Procedure

Note:
Ensure data is in a file geodatabase before creating a data dictionary and the extension for X-Ray Extension for Geodatabases is enabled. For more details, refer to the following documentation: Install add-ins.

1. In ArcCatalog, click the X-Ray window button to open the X-Ray for Geodatabases window.

2. In Catalog Tree, select the file geodatabase for the data dictionary creation. This populates the geodatabase field in the X-Ray for Geodatabases window.

3. Click the Export GDB to XML Workspace button.

4. Click the View menu > Data Dictionary.

Related Information

• ArcGIS Add-In: X-Ray for ArcCatalog
• Esri Video: Introduction to X-Ray for ArcCatalog
• ArcMap Help: Sharing and installing add-ins