5.2 Appending data to shapefile

Field-Map stores map layers directly in shapefile of ESRI and therefore there is no export function to the shapefile. However, there is a full key (plot ID and entity ID) in each shapefile database so it is very simple to append system attributes or attributes from a different database.  

1. All map layers are directly stored in shapefile of ESRI format, which can be opened and edited in majority of GIS. Shapefile contains attributes necessary for connection of additional data sources (IDFull and ID).

2. Select the menu item Tools > Export Data (see this chapter for details about data exporting).

3. Set a target format.
4. Click OK.

Close Field-Map Project Manager.

5. Browse directories to C:\Program Files\IFER\Field-Map\Tools\AppendAttributes.exe and run it. 

A new tool window appears.

6. Select Append table data to shapefile option.
7. Open target shapefile to which you want to append data.

8. A preview of target shapefile topology appears.
9. Open the database you want to append to shapefile (that you created previously in steps no. 2-4).

10. Set both link fields - key fields in shapefile database and appended database which enable proper alignment of entities.
11. Select fields of appended database to be imported into shapefile.
12. Click Append attributes button.

13. The selected attributes become appended to attribute table of target shapefile.