How do I transfer a data dictionary from ESRI ArcPad to Trimble Terrasync?

Answer

Esri’s ArcPad doesn’t have an actual Data Dictionary file that can be transferred over to Trimble’s TerraSync.  However, there are a couple of ways to get an ArcPad Data Schema over to Trimble TerraSync.

Option 1–  If the data in ArcPad was checked out from an Esri Geodatabase, then you can import the Geodatabase schema to a Trimble Data Dictionary file.  Follow these steps

– Open Trimble’s Pathfinder Office Software

– Select a Project

– Go into Utilities and select Import

– Choose Esri File Geodatabase

– Click on Properties, then choose the Data tab

– Choose Data Dicitonary File Only

– Click on the Coordinate System tab and make sure it matches the file Geodatabase

– Click on OK

– Browse to your File Geodatabase, then click on OK to import the files

– Open the Data Dictionary File (DDF) using the Utilities Data Dictionary Editor tool, or you can double click on your *.ddf file

– Make any necessary changes to your features or attributes.  For example, you may want to hide the Object ID attribute or add a File Name attribute for attaching pictures.

– Save the Data Dictionary File

– Transfer the Data Dictionary file using the Utilities and Data Transfer Tool. Make sure to connect your device to your PC and choose the Send tab to transfer the ddf file

– Once completed, open TerraSync on the Trimble handheld and create a data file with the new ddf file.

Option 2 – If you are using the current version of the Trimble Positions Desktop Add-in Tool you can generate a Trimble DDF from the Trimble Tools.