You can share user data extensions across multiple element types in Drainage and Utilities. Shared user data extensions are displayed in the Property Editor for all elements types that share that field.

The icons displayed next to the user data extensions in the User Data Extensions dialog box change depending on the status of the field:

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  Indicates a new unsaved user data extension.
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  Indicates a user data extension that has been saved to the data source.
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  Indicates a user data extension that is shared among multiple element types but has not been applied to the data source.
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  Indicates a user data extension that is shared among multiple element types and that has been applied to the data source. Fields with this icon appear in the Property Editor for any elements of the associated element types that appear in your model.

Observe the following rules when sharing user data extensions:

• You can select any number of element types with which to share the field. The list is limited to element types that support the Alternative defined for the Field. For example, the Physical Alternative may only apply to five of the element types. In this case, you will only see these five items listed in the Alternative drop-down menu.
• You cannot use the sharing feature to move a field from one element type to another. Validation is in place to ensure that only one item is selected and if it is the same as the original, default selection. If it is not, a message appears telling you that when sharing a field, you must select at least two element types, or select the original element type.
• To unshare a field that is shared among multiple element types, right-click the user data extension you want to keep in the list pane, then select Sharing. Clear all the element types that do not want to share the field with and click OK. If you leave only one element type checked in the Shared Field Specification dialog box, it must be the original element type for which you created the user data extension.
• You can also unshare a field by using the Delete button or right-clicking and selecting Delete. This will unshare and delete the field.

To share a user data extension:

1. Open the User Data Extensions dialog box by clicking Home > Tools > Other Tools > User Data Extensions.
2. In the list pane, create a new user data extension to share or select an existing user data extension you want to share, then click the Sharing button.
3. In the Shared Field Specification dialog box, select the check box next to each element type that will share the user data extension.
4. Click OK.
5. The icon next to the user data extension in the list pane changes to indicate that it is a shared field.