Create a network attribute

Network attributes are associated with attributes on features in your network. They are derived from feature attributes and cached inside the network topology to aid in performance while feature attributes are evaluated during a trace or while performing subnetwork management tasks. The values stored as attributes for features in a map are reflected or updated in the associated network attribute each time you validate the network topology.

To work with network attributes, they must first be created using the Add Network Attribute tool. Then, the network attribute can be assigned to a field in a network feature class using the Set Network Attribute tool.

Learn more about network attributes

Requirements

Before you add a network attribute, the following requirements must be met:

• The network topology must be disabled.
• When working with an enterprise geodatabase, ensure the following:
  • The Input Utility Network parameter must be from a database connection established as the database utility network owner.
  • The connected ArcGIS Enterprise portal account must be the portal utility network owner.

Add a network attribute

To add a network attribute, complete the following steps:

1. On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools to open the Geoprocessing pane.
2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select Add Network Attribute.
3. For the Input Utility Network parameter, specify a utility network.
4. For the Attribute Name parameter, specify a name for the network attribute.
5. For the Attribute Type parameter, choose the data type of the network attribute. This will determine what options are available to define the network attribute. If creating without the nullable option, keep in mind this network attribute can only be assigned to fields that have the same constraint for null values.

   Refer to the Add Network Attribute tool usage section for a table of available options depending on Attribute Type chosen.

   • Short—small integer
     • In Line—optionally select this to store the network attribute internally within the network topology.
     • Nullable—select this to allow null values for the network attribute.
   • Long—large integer
     • In Line—optionally select this to store the network attribute internally within the network topology.
     • Substitution—optionally select this to define a network attribute to substitute. Note that this option is only available when In Line is not checked. When creating network attributes using substitution the In Line option is disabled in the tool (network attribute is created out of line).
       • Network Attribute to Substitute—If Substitution option is checked, provide the network attribute that will be substituted. This must be an existing network attribute that was created as In Line.
     • Nullable—select this to allow null values for the network attribute.
   • Double—double precision
     • Apportionable—optionally select this to specify if the network attribute will be apportioned across multiple edges belonging to the same feature.
     • Nullable—select this to allow null values for the network attribute.
   • Date—date
     • Nullable—select this to allow null values for the network attribute.
6. Click Run

A new network attribute is added to the specified utility network. The network attribute can now be assigned using the Set Network Attribute tool. For specific steps, see Set a network attribute.