Create a File Geodatabase for a Project

In previous steps, we imported the asset package into ArcGIS Pro so that you could review its structure and make any necessary changes to better reflect your company’s data needs. While this asset package is in the form of a file geodatabase, it really functions as a data model. The aim is to apply this asset package (data model) to your company’s data, whether that is in the form of a file geodatabase or enterprise geodatabase. Before your project is configured with an enterprise database, we recommend that you start with a file geodatabase in order to configure and test. This allows GIS administrators to perform work without dependency on IT or DBAs in your office. It also provides the flexibility to apply modifications to files, change rules, and build your Utility Network (UN) in a development environment.

To create your file geodatabase:

1. From ArcGIS Pro, with a project open, click View > Geoprocessing to open the Geoprocessing pane.

2. At the top of the the Geoprocessing pane, within the search box, enter Asset Package to Geodatabase.

   NOTE: Every time this tool runs, a new file geodatabase is created.

3. In the Asset Package to Geodatabase window, click the folder next to the Asset Package field. Browse to where the unzipped asset package folder is located, and click the file geodatabase. Alternatively, if you have made any data model changes to the asset package, choose that modified asset package in this step.

   Example: C:\Documents\ArcFM_UN_Unbalanced_AP_22May2024.gdb.

   

   IMPORTANT: Notice that the Service Territory Feature Class text field is populated automatically. It is imported from the asset package. If you want to use a different or modified Service Territory feature class, it must be modified and included in the asset package before you run this tool. Refer to the Data Model Changes topic for more information.

4. From the same Asset Package to Geodatabase window, under Geodatabase Options, in the Workspace Type drop-down, select File Geodatabase. Then choose the Folder Location where you’d like the new file geodatabase to be created.

   

5. The Geodatabase Name, Feature Dataset Name, and Utility Network Name are all populated automatically, but you can change the names to something preferable.

6. From the same Asset Package to Geodatabase window, under Asset Package Options, select all items, and click Run.

   

7. In the Catalog pane, under Databases, select Add Database. Navigate to the folder location you specified in step 5, and click OK.

8. Expand the new file geodatabase to view the assets of the utility network.