idea Scale-based Definition Queries in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Scale-based Definition Queries

MilesL1 — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:32:28 GMT

Using definition queries, one can display different subsets of one dataset at different scales (ie, reducing the quantity of points shown based on some attribute as the user zooms out). This requires that each definition query has its own layer. When dealing with a map with a wide scale range, this may result in very many layers with the same symbology, but different definition queries. I would like to suggest that definition queries can be applied to scale ranges within one layer (or, a scale range can be applied to a definition query).

Ie. from 1:1,000-1:30,000, apply one definition query

from 1:30,000-1:100,000, apply another definition query

This can help keep the quantity of layers in a map down, and reduce duplication of symbology and label classes.

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

KoryKramer — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 02:10:34 GMT

@MilesL1 have you tried display filters? https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/mapping/layer-properties/display-filters.htm

Would that work for your use case?

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

MilesL1 — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 12:33:49 GMT

No, because display filters leave the data in the map, just "invisible" (unsymbolized).

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

Andrew-Bowne — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:00:30 GMT

Are display filters supported in a Web Map? From what I can see they are not. Can anyone confirm?

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

KoryKramer — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:07:28 GMT

@Andrew-Bowne more info here https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/sharing/analyzer-warning-messages/24147-feature-layer-has-display-filters.htm

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

Andrew-Bowne — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:13:22 GMT

Thanks, Kory. As with so many Esri products, the answer is: "It depends"... I'm using a Feature Service so it looks like the answer is "no" in this case.

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

ERex — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:34:25 GMT

Scale-based definition queries would be great! Hope this gets implemented.

Re: Scale-based Definition Queries

PavelSeemann — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:50:07 GMT

That’s a good idea. It would be helpful to be able to set different definition queries for different scales within a single layer. Display filters do allow this, but "invisible" features remain clickable. This behavior carries over to the published web map and confuses end users, who see pop-up windows for features that aren’t visible when they click on the map.