How Do I Change Data Type in ArcGIS Pro?

You can change a data type in ArcGIS Pro primarily by using the Calculate Field tool after creating a new field with the desired data type in the attribute table. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Steps to Change Data Type:

1. Open the Attribute Table: In the Contents pane, right-click the feature layer and select "Attribute Table."

2. Add a New Field:

   • Click the "Add Field" button at the top of the table.
   • Enter a name for the new field (e.g., "NewField"). This new field will hold the converted data.
   • Choose the desired data type from the "Data Type" dropdown menu (e.g., Text, Long, Double, Date).

3. Use the Calculate Field Tool:

   • Right-click the newly created field's header in the attribute table.
   • Select "Calculate Field."
   • In the Calculate Field tool dialog box:
     • The "Input Table" and "Field Name" (the new field you created) will already be populated.
     • In the expression box, write an expression to convert the data from the original field to the new field.

Examples of Conversion Expressions (Python):

• Integer to String: If you want to convert an integer field called "IntegerField" to a text field: str(!IntegerField!)
• String to Integer: If you want to convert a text field called "TextField" to an integer field, ensuring that only valid integers are converted (invalid entries will become None): int(!TextField!) if !TextField!.isdigit() else None
• String to Float: If you want to convert a text field called "TextField" to a float field: float(!TextField!)
• Date to String: If you want to convert a date field called "DateField" to a text field: str(!DateField!)

Important Considerations:

• Data Loss: Converting data types can sometimes lead to data loss. For example, converting a floating-point number to an integer will truncate the decimal portion.
• Field Length: Ensure the new field you create is of sufficient length to accommodate the converted data. For example, if converting a very long integer to text, make sure the text field's length is large enough.
• Error Handling: When converting from string to numeric data types, handle potential errors caused by non-numeric characters in the string field. Use conditional statements in your Calculate Field expression to assign a default value (like None or 0) to invalid entries.
• Backups: It's always good practice to back up your data before making significant changes.

By creating a new field with the desired data type and utilizing the Calculate Field tool, you can effectively change data types within ArcGIS Pro. Remember to carefully consider potential data loss and handle errors appropriately.