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Add Data tab's definition query dropdown as QAT option

776
10
09-27-2022 08:18 AM
Status: Open
Labels (1)
wayfaringrob
Honored Contributor

Since there's no hope of getting a real definition query indicator in the TOC, it would at least be nice to be able to put the same dropdown found on the Data tab on the quick access toolbar.

rburkebsrc_0-1664291442975.png

This would show the status of a selected layer and even which query is active without having to mess with a filter in the TOC, check the data tab, or check the properties box. Having this info at a glance is needed and it's nearly impossible in Pro despite the 35 upvotes on that idea at the time of closure and subsequent comments in support. There are actually no definition query options for the QAT other than one that simply links to that tab of the properties box.

It wouldn't be able to show the def query status of every layer at once, and it would take up a ton of horizontal space, yes, but this would beat having this setting buried on a ribbon tab that I don't use or inside the layer properties box. It would always be on my display and give me an indication that a query is active, at least when working with any given layer, which is really what I want. I could also switch queries quickly when my workflow requires it. The filter provided in the TOC to show layers with definition queries turned on is just not useful. You have to flip it on and off, and if you turn off a definition query for one of those layers listed, it doesn't even update. It still shows the layer as if it has a query on. Removing it from the list, though, would also have its annoyances if you're needing to flip the query on and off repeatedly. The filter may be a good answer to the question 'which layers in my project have definition queries turned on?' but that's not really the question that I find myself asking when it comes to definition queries. I moreso want to know when I go to work with a layer if that particular layer has a query; bonus points if I have easy access to which query and modifying the query. That filter does maybe one of those things, and not well. It requires you to manually turn the filter on (to see which layers have an active query) and then off (to get back to all your layers) and doesn't really help you identify or modify the active query any better than the normal view -- even the context menu is the exact same as in the regular drawing order view. An interactive indicator, whether in the TOC or QAT, would do away with this impractical and inefficient back-and-forth and give users something functional and intuitive.

My preferred solution again would be a little light/icon menu in the TOC, as described by that closed idea linked above, but simply having QAT access to the dropdown found on the data tab would be a step in the right direction.

10 Comments
MarieMucharme

Yep, I agree....and I don't understand why the TOC cannot accommodate an easy visual cue for any layer with an active def query. Just having the layer name in a slightly different colour, or with a small icon, or in Italics Bold text would be super helpful. I too find it cumbersome to have to go click the Data Tab, just to have the definition query info visible.

KoryKramer
Status changed to: Needs Clarification

@wayfaringrob do you see this?

KoryKramer_0-1664293243785.png

Is that what you're asking for in this idea?

wayfaringrob

@MarieMucharme  Yup. Each of those 'contextual' tabs -- feature layer (appearance), labeling, data, and so on -- they've each got about one or two useful functions that I can't find elsewhere and it's a real pain to keep opening and closing the tab just to get to those one or two things when everything else is in a pane, context menu, or QAT. I tend to work with the ribbon closed since I use it minimally and it wastes a ton of space but I'd love to not have to use it, period. This would help get me off of the data tab, at least.

wayfaringrob

@KoryKramer  oh, look at that, yeah! It's not showing up here, which is where I usually go to add stuff:

rburkebsrc_0-1664293350519.png

 

wayfaringrob

@KoryKramer  Actually, once I add it, I can't move it. It doesn't show up in the list, just a blank space where it should be at the bottom there, under 'Labeling.'

rburkebsrc_0-1664293440385.png

 

wayfaringrob

rburkebsrc_0-1664293500880.png

Likewise, with labeling selected, I can't move it down.

KoryKramer
Status changed to: Open

Thanks for the clarification, Robert. I'll re-open the idea. This "sort of" works as you can add that combobox to the QAT, but it isn't listed which is what is needed to be able to re-order it to where you want it. I'll check with the team on that.

wayfaringrob

@KoryKramer  thanks, also noticing that when adding or removing any other tools, it goes away/needs to be re-added from the data tab.

by Anonymous User

@wayfaringrob agree with most of your great ideas, and agree with this one also 🙂 I especially agree with your comment (and I do the same): "I tend to work with the ribbon closed since I use it minimally and it wastes a ton of space but I'd love to not have to use it, period." 

Cheers

AndreaB_

re-subscribing to this with my new Community name