What is the first step a user should take when moving an ArcMap document with large data to a network location?

Creating a folder connection to the data in the map is a critical first step when moving an ArcMap document with large data to a network location. This process allows the user to establish a direct link between the ArcMap document and the data files residing on the network. By making a folder connection, the user can ensure that ArcMap recognizes the new location of the data, which simplifies the pathway for accessing the data files.

Establishing folder connections facilitates easier data management and reduces the chances of broken links when moving between different environments. This is particularly useful for large datasets, as it allows multiple users to easily access the same data without needing to duplicate files or modify existing links.

In contrast, modifying the map settings to store relative pathnames can be useful, but it is typically considered after establishing the connection to ensure that the map remains linked to its datasets correctly. Zipping all data and sending it to coworkers is more about data sharing than managing a workspace efficiently, which may introduce complications with file paths and version control. Lastly, removing some data from the map may not address the issue of moving to a network location and could hinder the user's workflow if the data is needed later on.