topic Re: Search by attributes in ArcGIS Explorer Desktop Questions

Search by attributes

JasonBarefield — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:30:08 GMT

Greetings all -

I currently build & maintain parcel maps in ArcView for a variety of clients. As Explorer Desktop has become increasingly more user friendly, I've installed it on some client's machines. I can search and locate parcels many different ways in ArcView. However, I was looking for a way to locate parcels based on specific attributes defined by the user. I've studied a bit on creating query layers, but I don't think that gets specific enough to pinpoint a certain tract. For example, one could search by Owner name, parcel ID #, acreage, etc. or any attribute associated with the tract I've created. Hopefully, it's not something so simple that I've overlooked. Looking forward to any suggestions!

Thanks in advance for your time and efforts

Re: Search by attributes

JeremySila — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:02:21 GMT

I've been wondering how to do this as well!! Trying to create a "Search Box" where users can type in Parcel # or Name and have map zoom to a specific parcel. If you happen to find a resolution,can you please pass on any useful information. Thank you 🙂

Re: Search by attributes

WoodyBailey — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:47:36 GMT

I find that if you are trying to search based on an attribute the built in query tool works well (as long as the feature isn't a point!) Just like zooming to selected point in ArcGIS Desktop does not have the functionality to zoom to a scale where you can see the point neither does ArcGIS Explorer. The work around I've found for the zoom to point is to download the Zoom to Scale add-in. I zoom to the query results than zoom to 1:500 and that works ok. Where I see the big failure with the query tool is if the query returns multiple results there is no good way to SEE those results! I realized that if I turn off the layers and only leave on the resultant query layer I can see the individual points, which IS pretty cool but just not really what I am looking for. What I think would be the best would of course be similar to how ArcView does it; I want to be able to see the results of the query as a list and from that list zoom to each point that met my query.
I thought the Query tool add-in would do the trick but 1. my results table is just all grey and 2. it does not and won't likely in the future work with "Layer Packages".

The zoom to option to a polygon or line seems to work fairly well and I would think it would work pretty good for your intended use. However a simple find feature that searches all the fields within a specific or group of layers would be nice.

Re: Search by attributes

DustinDunnill — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:52:54 GMT

There is no easy search/find tool for layer attributes that I know of so far. This would be great for end users that don't know how to do complicated queries. I think there are a few pushes for this feature in the "Idea" section of ESRI (mine included). Please head over and vote to make it happen! http://ideas.arcgis.com/

It would make Explorer so much more user friendly! Thanks.

Re: Search by attributes

CodyScott — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:17:23 GMT

I put together a tool today that might satisfy what you're looking for.

It allows you to search a field based on a user inputted value (ie. parcel value).

Limitation wise it doesn't let you see what the value is so the user must know specifically what they wish to search.
I have another addin for the attribute table that would compliment this tool well.

Hope this helps.

http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8ee8e5aa8ec74593a890ca98368dc73f

Re: Search by attributes

DustinDunnill — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:08:11 GMT

Cody,

Great add in. This is the one I've been holding out for, for a long time. Works real well. Used along side the "zoom to map scale" add in it works really well. I use the "zoom to map scale" add in because some of the fields it finds (like Manhole #'s) it will not zoom in just center on the item. Then I just click on a zoom level and wala...other than that, fields like TMK #'s it finds and zooms right in. I use all layer packages by the way. Awesome! Thank you for this!

Re: Search by attributes

CodyScott — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:34:31 GMT

Dustin, I made a little update to the tool.

The change just lets you view all the attributes for the selected field.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]13805[/ATTACH]

http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8ee8e5aa8ec74593a890ca98368dc73f

Also, thanks for the kind words!

Re: Search by attributes

DustinDunnill — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:28:49 GMT

Great addition Cody, very useful.

To those who are using your previous version, It may be worth mentioning that I needed to completely uninstall the previous add in from within the "Arcgis Explorer options" menu prior to this installation. Installing this new version over the previous resulted in only the previous version working for me.

Just an FYI.

Re: Search by attributes

CodyScott — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:26:37 GMT

Dustin/Anyone Else,

I noticed a bug when adding/removing layers.
I've (hopefully) correct the bug, and i've uploaded the fixed version for download.

Thanks