Copying data from one attribute field to another using ArcGIS Field Calculator?

Question

I am standardizing several shapefiles.

How do I go about copying data from one attribute field to a new attribute field i.e. would I use the calculate field tool?

Answer 1

Yes the field calculate tool would be the easiest, but you would have to add the new field first. the strps would be

• Add new Field to the shapefile using ArcCatalog or the add Field geoprocessing tool
• Right click on the new field in ArcMap and choose Field Calculator or run the field calculator geoprocessing tool
• Click on the name of the field you want to use as the source

If the attributes are in different shapefiles then you will have to do a join first.