idea File geodatabase query layers in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

File geodatabase query layers

Bud — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:24:01 GMT

It would be very helpful if we could create query layers on file geodatabase data.

Even though FGDBs don't have a SQL spatial type like ST_GEOMETRY, it would still help to use non-spatial SQL in full blown SQL queries on file geodatabases.

Re: Support query layers on file geodatabases

BruceHarold — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:26:45 GMT

Hi Bud, this is like your other idea for the equivalent functionality for mobile geodatabases, Create Database View will do the job for you.

Re: Support query layers on file geodatabases

Bud — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:07:47 GMT

A comment from @JoshuaBixby from a related post (Mobile geodatabase query layers) is relevant here too:

Although a Query Layer and Database View could give the same result within a map, the implementation is different. I think the difference is enough to warrant keeping this idea.

My thoughts are: Query layers are useful for temporary or one-off cases where you don’t want to create an object in the database.

Re: File geodatabase query layers

Bud — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:32:18 GMT

Re: File geodatabase query layers

AlfredBaldenweck — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:43:40 GMT

This would be a game changer. Query layers are an amazing tool in our arsenal, but being limited to only enterprise GDBs severely cuts down on our possible uses, given that a lot of data lives in file geodatabases.

Especially for users without enterprise GDBs, not being able to use query layers is really limiting.

Like JoshuaBixby and Bud say, although the end result is the same, the implementation matters. Layers are great because they ultimately don't really take up any space. Creating a view (which is also very cool) adds yet another item to clutter the GDB, and is a more permanent solution for what could be a throwaway question.

Another great thing about query layers (and views) is that they can get around several Arcade limitations, such as exporting the value returned by the expression as a field, or symbolizing based on a related table. Being able to use a computed columns with a file geodatabase (or mobile) would open up a world of possibilities.

Re: File geodatabase query layers

Bud — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:25:31 GMT

A use case for fgdb query layers: Control schema locking behavior in ArcGIS Pro