1

I'm in charge of a database that contains property information. I would like to symbolize parcels of land that we have a 'written agreement' with the owner differently than parcels that we do not have written agreements with.

My solution was to create a calculated field (1 or 0) based on if there was any data in the "Agreements" field.

I'm looking for a more dynamic solution (not having to re-run the field calculation) so that when an agreement is entered into the db, the symbology automatically changes.

This is important because our field staff take the db out into the field on hand-held devices; they need to know which properties they are allowed to access (green) vs. which properties they cannot access (red).

Improve this question
7
  • 1
    you can split parcel layer in two with agreement and without based on definition query and render them with different symbols
    – megadrofan
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 15:34
  • Thats basically the same solution that I had originally, you'd have to continually update that split layer -- it's not dynamic.
    – Roy
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 15:38
  • 1
    Why it is not dynamic? The datasources of two layers should point to the same feature class/shapefile. So when you modify agreement field in this shapefile/feature class results of definition query change.
    – megadrofan
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 15:44
  • 1
    definition does not require flag field. So 1st layer where clause: agreements is not null, where clause of 2nd: agreements is null
    – megadrofan
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 15:48
  • You're so right, my mistake! I was thinking a data export based on a query. Add it as an answer and I'll accept it.
    – Roy
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 15:49

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

You can split parcel layer in two with agreement and without based on definition query and render them with different symbols.The datasources of two layers should point to the same feature class/shapefile. So when you modify agreement field in this shapefile/feature class results of definition query change.So 1st layer where clause: agreements is not null, where clause of 2nd: agreements is null.

Improve this answer
2
  • I just replaced the null statements with empty strings and it seems to work just fine -- Thanks again. Ex "Agreement" = '' ; "Agreement" <> ''
    – Roy
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 16:29
  • It is normal, query sometimes differ, it depends on underlying storage type shapefile/File GDB/Personal GDB/Enterprise DB
    – megadrofan
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 16:44
1

If your field calculation/feature selection can be modeled (using ModelBuilder) you could just export out the model to a python script and run the script using Windows Task Scheduler.

Improve this answer
1
  • Thanks,I'd considered that with a python script, I was just wondering if there was a more instant gratification method as opposed to daily updates.
    – Roy
    Commented Mar 30, 2012 at 15:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.