idea Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro

TD1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:58:12 GMT

In ArcGIS Pro Sometimes you only want to see only the features that you have selected on the map. Need the ability to do a definition query but spatially. For example I have 5000 points but I only want to see 100 of those points on the map and there is no common attribute query that could identify those 100 points and can only be identified spatially.

Maybe on attribute table once features are selected a button to "make a definition query"? Open to suggestions but right now it's very frustrating.

Re: Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro

SteveCole — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:37:48 GMT

I'm not a staunch defender of ArcGIS Pro but I believe you can already do this? After selecting features, right-click on the layer in the TOC and under the Selection side menu, there's an option to create a layer from the selected features.

Re: Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro

TD1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:50:18 GMT

@SteveCole Thank you for letting me know. This is fantastic! I think I'll use the other option "Generate definition query from selection".

This resolves my idea. Consider the case closed.

Re: Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro

SteveCole — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:25:24 GMT

I certainly use it but be aware of the caveat that is listed in the documentation:

The selection layer is only useful as a temporary working dataset, for example, as an input into a geoprocessing model. It lists the FeatureIDs (FIDs) or ObjectIDs (OIDs) of the selected features. These are invalidated when the original data source is updated or changed.

Re: Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro

MervynLotter — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:40:48 GMT

A new capability was introduced into ArcGIS Pro 3.5 that allows you to create a spatial definition query. The definition query is defined spatially based on the spatial extent of another layer, or the extent of that layer in the map view.

After opening up the layer properties, and the Definition Query tab, click on Add Clause and then select the new "Add Spatial Clause" drop-down.

Then choose the layer and its spatial extent that you want to use for your definition query.

Importantly, once applied, do give it a unique name (instead Query 1) so that you can easily reuse this spatial query any other time again in the future.

Do see Spatially Filter Feature Layers with Definition Queries

Re: Add a spatial definition query in ArcGIS Pro - Status changed to: Already Offered

TanuHoque — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:41:03 GMT

Thank you all!