Create a Join / Edit a Join dialog box

Use this dialog box to join a table of attribute data to features in your map so they have more properties. You can also edit an existing join.

Select the primary table (the feature layer) and the secondary table (the data to join to the primary table, for example, an Access database). Select the columns of data to use to link the tables (often referred to as join keys). Specify the type of join, and the relationship between the primary and secondary records.

Primary Table Initiating The Join

The table to which you are joining secondary data, for example, the layer of features.

Table (Or Feature Class) To Join To

Select the secondary table of attributes to join to the primary table. You must connect to the secondary table before you can join to it.

See To Bring in GIS Features.

This Column From The Left Table

Select the column(s) from the primary table that will link the primary table to the secondary table.

Matches This Column From The Right Table

Select the column(s) from the secondary table that will link the tables. This column does not have to have the same name as the column on the left side, but it must have the same data type. Only columns with matching data types are listed.

Type of Join

Select one of the following join types:

Keep All Records On The Left

Display features from the primary table in the map, even if there is no matching value in the secondary table (a left outer join).

Keep Only Left-Side Records With A Match

Do not display features from the primary table in the map if there is no matching value in the secondary table (an inner join).

Relationship With Secondary Records (Cardinality)

Select one of the following:

One-To-One

Join one feature to one record in the secondary table, even if multiple records in the secondary table exist.

One-To-Many

Allow one feature to have multiple secondary records associated with it.