How to create a Feature Class in ArcGIS Pro: Example with Camas (Camassia quamash) Locations in the Pacific Northwest

In this article, you’ll learn how to create a new feature class in ArcGIS Pro, add fields, apply domains, and begin editing data. We’ll use a fictitious dataset documenting locations of Camas (Camassia quamash), a traditional Indigenous plant historically harvested by many Pacific Northwest tribes.

Software requirement(s):

ArcGIS Pro 3.4.x

Disclaimer: The "Camas_Locations" dataset included in this article is entirely fictional and is intended for instructional purposes only. The data does not represent actual locations of camas harvesting areas or any real-worl traditional ecological knowledge. Any resemblance to real locations, practices, or communities is purely coincidental. Please consult with appropriate tribal representatives or cultural authorities before working with or referencing indigenous knowledge or cultural resources in GIS projects.

1. What You’ll Learn

How to create a new feature class in a geodatabase
How to define field names, types, and aliases
How to create and assign domains (coded values)
How to start editing features and attribute data

2. Set Up Your Project

Open ArcGIS Pro and create a new project or open an existing one.

I named it "Camas_Locations".

Go to the View tab > Catalog pane (if needed)

In the Catalog pane, expand the Databases' folder

Right-click the default file geodatabase "Camas_Locations.gdb" (or any you’ve created) and choose New > Feature Class

3. Name the Feature Class

Name: Camas_Locations
Alias: Camas Harvesting Areas
Type: Point (you can choose Polygon or Line depending on your goal)
Click Next

4. Add Fields

Use the field grid to add attribute fields relevant to Camas. Here’s a suggested list:

Field Name	Alias	Data Type	Length
`Harvest_Year`	Harvest Year	Short
`Tribe`	Associated Tribe	Text	50
`Soil_Type`	Soil Type	Text	50
`Condition`	Site Condition	Text (Domain)	25
`Protected`	Protected Area	Text (Domain)	10

You may have to double-click on a cell to edit it.

Click Next once your fields are defined.

5. Set Spatial Reference

For the Pacific Northwest, you can use a local projection like: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N

Click Next a few times (accept default settings), then Finish.

Your feature layer "Camas_Locations (with alias Camas Harvesting Areas)" will be added to your geodatabase and your Contents pane.

6. Create Domains

Right-click the geodatabase in the Catalog pane and choose Domains.

Domain 1: "Condition_Domain"

Name: Condition_Domain
Description: Site Condition
Field Type: Text
Domain Type: Coded Value
Add codes and descriptions:
- Excellent – Excellent
- Good – Good
- Fair – Fair
- Poor – Poor

You may have to double-click on a cell to edit it.

Understanding Domain Code Status Indicators

When you create or manage coded value domains in ArcGIS Pro (via the Domains view in the geodatabase), you may notice colored squares to the left of each code. These visual indicators help you track whether a domain code has been properly assigned to a field in a feature class or if it's still unused or incomplete.

🟧 Red Square - The domain code has been defined but is not yet in use by any field in your geodatabase. This is a reminder that the domain exists but has not been applied to a field, or there may be an issue with the assignment.
🟩 Green Square - The domain code is successfully assigned to a field and is active. This indicates that the domain is configured properly and being used for data validation during editing.

Domain 2: "Protected_Domain"
- Name: Protected_Domain
- Description: Protected Area
- Field Type: Text
- Domain Type: Coded Value
- Add:
  - Yes – Yes
  - No – No

Save and close the Domains view.

Save your project!

7. Assign Domains to Fields

After creating a domain, make sure to assign it to a specific field using the Fields view so that ArcGIS Pro can enforce those values during editing.
In the Catalog pane, right-click Camas Harvesting Areas and select Data Design > Fields.

For Condition, assign Condition_Domain under the Domain column
For Protected, assign Protected_Domain
Once assigned, the indicator should turn green

Click Save in the ribbon.

Save your project!

8. Start Editing

Go to the Edit tab and click Create to open the Create Features pane.

Select the Camas_Locations template and begin adding points representing traditional camas harvesting areas on your topographic basemap (see table below).

Use the attribute table to fill in the Harvest_Year, Tribe, Soil_Type, Condition, and Protected values.

Harvest_Year	Tribe	Soil_Type	Condition	Protected
2018	Yakama Nation	Loam	Good	Yes
2019	Swinomish Indian Tribal Community	Sandy Loam	Excellent	No
2021	Nez Perce Tribe	Silty Clay	Fair	Yes
2022	Tulalip Tribes	Loamy Sand	Good	No

Save your Edits and Save your project.
Close the attribute table and the Create Feature window.

9. Optional: Symbolize the Data You can symbolize points by condition or tribe to visualize patterns.

In the Contents pane, right-click on "Camas Harvesting Areas" > Symbology).

Choose Unique Values and set the field to Site Condition.

You can edit your points' color and/or size if needed (left-left click on each point to open the Format window).

Save your project!

You’ve now created a custom feature class with domains, added culturally relevant fields, and started editing data about traditional Camas sites. Domains help standardize data entry and reduce errors, while feature classes let you manage and visualize geospatial information effectively.

Next Steps:

Explore adding related tables (e.g., harvesting notes, historical significance)
Create labels based on tribe and year
Share the layer as a hosted feature layer in ArcGIS Online or Portal

We hope that this article has been helpful! If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to send us an email or connect with us for a chat. The NTGISC team is here to assist you further!

How to create a Feature Class in ArcGIS Pro: Example with Camas (Camassia quamash) Locations in the Pacific Northwest

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