Connecting to a database
The first step in creating a query layer in ArcGIS is to make a connection to the database you want to query.
Steps:
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In ArcMap, click File > Add Data > Add Query Layer.
This opens the New Query Layer dialog box.
- A connection to the database must be established before building queries in the New Query Layer dialog box. If you have previously made a connection in the dialog box, you can choose it from the Connection menu. Otherwise, create a new connection by clicking Connections. This opens the Manage Connection(s) dialog box from which you can create new connections as well as edit or delete existing connections.
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Click New to create a new connection.
The Database Connection dialog box opens.
- From the DBMS Client menu, choose the type of database to which you want to connect. Note:
For Oracle, choose the release of the Oracle client you are using to make the connection rather than the release of the database.
- In the Data Source text box, type one of the following based on which database you are using:
- IBM DB2 or DB2 for z/OS—Type the name of the database alias.
- Informix—Type the data source name.
- Oracle—Type the Oracle Net service name.
- PostgreSQL—Type the name of the server where PostgreSQL is installed.
- Microsoft SQL Server—Type the name of the SQL Server instance.
- If you are connecting to a PostgreSQL or SQL Server database, type the name of the database in the Database text box.
- Specify how you want your connection to be authenticated in the database by choosing one of the following from the Authentication menu:
- Choose OS authentication if you want the database to use your Windows login to authenticate your connection, and proceed to step 11.
- Choose Database Authentication if you want to use a database user to connect.
- If you chose Database Authentication, type the name of the database user in the Username text box.
- Type the password for the database user in the Password text box.
- If you do not want to store the database user name and password with the query layer, uncheck Save username and password. Otherwise, leave it checked.Tip:
You might uncheck Save username and password if you are going to share the query layer connection with other users.
- Click Test Connection to be sure you can connect to the database.
If the connection fails, double-check the information you provided. If it is correct but the connection still fails, make sure the database is accepting connections.
- Click OK to create the database connection.
- If you do not want to use the default name, Connection to <DBMS>, type a new name.Note:
The name of the connection cannot be changed later. To change the name of a connection, you must delete it and re-create it.
8/2/2012