To combine two shapefiles into a new feature class in a file geodatabase, what is the correct method?

To combine two shapefiles into a new feature class in a file geodatabase effectively, exporting the shapefiles to a new file geodatabase is the correct method. This process ensures that both shapefiles are brought into the geodatabase environment while preserving their attributes and geometry, creating a single, cohesive feature class.

When shapefiles are exported to a file geodatabase, the new feature class is created with the necessary structure to fit within the geodatabase framework, allowing for enhanced data management and interoperability with the rest of the GIS system. This method also allows users to directly control the properties and schema of the output, ensuring compatibility with other data within the geodatabase.

Utilizing the Append tool or Merge tool might seem like viable options, but they are not the most suitable for creating a new feature class from shapefiles in a geodatabase context. The Append tool typically adds features to an existing feature class rather than producing a new feature class from scratch, while the Merge tool can be useful for combining feature classes but does not directly create a new file geodatabase feature class from shapefiles without first converting the data. Thus, exporting the shapefiles directly to a new file geodatabase is