GIS data includes more than just what you might see on a map. Each layer has additional information linked to it that is stored in an attribute table. In addition, not all data you display in a map is stored in a traditional GIS format. Some data may be stored in standalone tables or even spreadsheets. This data can also be displayed on a map if it includes a mailing address or x and y coordinates.

However, there is a lot of data out there in various databases that may not have x and y coordinates, or an address, or even be part of our GIS, but we need to be able to use that information to perform queries, display information, or conduct analysis in the GIS. This data may come from other systems, such as tax appraisal, permitting, inspections, work order, and asset management systems. If we want to use data stored in these systems, we must be able to link it to our GIS data. ArcGIS Pro provides a couple of methods to do this: joins and relates.

At other...