idea Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane

BrentRogan — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:29:48 GMT

Layers with active definition queries should have symbol, icon or text next to the display name so you know they are active e.g Layer Name is " Sample Form" => "Sample Name" (DQ).

Why would this be helpful? Definition queries are a very useful tool to manage what is being displayed. However, its easy to forget or not realise (if the data is shared) that a definition query is active.

Re: Definition Query

RandyCasey — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:01:25 GMT

I know that the Data tab on the Feature Layer context ribbon will show if the currently selected layer has a definition query on it, but that actually requires you to have the layer selected: if you have a dozen or more layers, that is not an efficient way to determine which layer(s) have definition queries. A simple graphic cue would save so much time and effort. The graphic icons used in AGOL and Portal are great and provide at least some visual information at a glance. This would be a good model to follow in ArcGIS Pro.

Re: Definition Query

BarryNorthey — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:38:41 GMT

Perhaps flag layers with joins, in particular inner joins as well.

Re: Definition Query

wayfaringrob — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:48:50 GMT

1,000x agree. The filter proposed as a solution misses the point that users have outlined in detail and nuance more than enough times.

This is my manual workaround:

Re: Definition Query

wayfaringrob — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 20:21:54 GMT

Similar idea from 12 years ago: Definition Query in Attribute Table - Esri Community

Label/mark layers in the map contents pane with active definition queries

aretzler — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:39:19 GMT

I use definition queries frequently to help select a subset of features from large datasets without having to create new layers or export new feature classes. This helps me reduce file clutter and is more flexible for when I need to return to the full dataset or switch to another subset within. However, I sometimes forget if/which datasets have active definition queries on them when I set projects aside for long periods of time. It's important for me to be able to remember whether a definition query is active to know that I may not actually be looking at the full dataset in my Map window. I think it would be very handy to label/mark any layer in the Contents pane differently if it currently has an active definition query. For example, these layers could be marked with an asterisk (*) at the beginning of the layer name or maybe shown in bold or italics to help the author know these layers aren't showing the full dataset currently.

Re: Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane

KoryKramer — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:34:36 GMT

@aretzler thank you for submitting your idea - we've merged it with this existing idea. I understand the request to add some soft of indicator for layers with an active definition query - for now, I wanted to make sure you were aware of the filter functionality in the Contents Pane. This will filter the contents pane to show only layers with active definition queries. You could then mark those layers however you want (* at the beginning; [DQ] at the end; or give the layer a more appropriate name based on what the query is...).

Re: Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane

Bud — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:36:39 GMT

Re: Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane

HollyTorpey_LSA — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:28:56 GMT

This would be so helpful and save me from myself. So often I'm asked to make an update to an analysis or map I haven't worked in for weeks and it doesn't occur to me to check for definition queries (either by filtering the TOC or checking properties) until I realize my results are not what I expected. It would be so great if there were just a little icon next to layers that have active definition queries.

Re: Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane

WilliamChristmas1 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:08:07 GMT

NOT having this bit my colleague in the butt this morning. She had published a service several years ago. It wasn't until yesterday that a user of the service noticed that a single layer, which typically would only have a few features in it, actually had 0 features. After investigation, we found that a definition query had been applied in the map from which the service was published. We will use the TOC definition query filter to check for these prior to publishing in the future. BUT, I didn't know that filter existed until looking at the above idea comments; its kind-of hidden in Pro. If some sort of highlight/alert-symbol was directly put on the layer in the TOC, it would have brought attention to the layer and we may have avoided our issue. With the filter for definition query layers, a user has to 1) know that this exists and 2) remember to consistently use it (it's a whole workflow). Therefore, I URGE/BEG ESRI to implement a highlight/alert-symbol on layers with active definition query in the TOC as originally suggested.

Re: Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane

Bud — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:05:43 GMT

If/when Esri implements this, there are other attribute filters that could be incorporated into the "Definition Query indicator in Contents Pane":

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/definition-query-icon-in-table-of-contents/idc-p/1385470/highlight/true#M28632

Table of Contents Layers: Active Query

ebregant — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:11:26 GMT

It would be helpful to have a little icon next to the layer name if the layer has an active definition query. Sometimes I forget that I have an active query and wonder why data is not showing up.

Re: Table of Contents Layers: Active Query

BarryNorthey — Wed, 14 May 2025 20:21:42 GMT

I think that I have seen this idea suggested before. I believe that the current option is to use the Filter in the Contents pane and select Active definition query to list only those layers with an active definition query.

Re: Table of Contents Layers: Active Query

ebregant — Thu, 15 May 2025 17:02:32 GMT

That helps! I forgot about that! Still would be helpful for an icon next to the layer. Saves a step.

Layer: Add Icon to show when definition query is active

RobertWerren — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:10:36 GMT

I would appreciate it if, whenever a definition query is applied to a layer, it were indicated by an icon next to the layer name.

Re: Layer: Add Icon to show when definition query is active

MichaelVolz — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:49:00 GMT

I think this is a great idea considering that ESRI has added spatial definition queries at ArcGIS Pro 3.5.

Possibly show different icons depending upon if just an attribute def query is applied vs just a spatial def query is applied vs both an attribute def query and a spatial def query are applied.