The difference between polygons

[MauriceMitchell]

I have to separate polygon layers, layer 1 and layer 2. The polygons in layer 2 don't completely cover the polygons in layer 1, therefore, I'd like to create a layer 3 that are polygons that aren't overlapped. Also, I'm using ArcGIS Pro 2.4 if that matters.

[Robert_LeClair]

You could try the Symmetrical Difference GP tool listed here.

[JoeBorgione]

Cool tool Robert LeClair‌; the antithesis of intersect.  I've never noticed it before....

[Robert_LeClair]

It's a great (and unseen) tool for such a workflow!  Cheers!

[Katie_Clark]

I was going to suggest the Erase tool as well, but looks like that also requires an advanced license. I'm not sure if that's a restriction for the OP, but just out of curiosity, any suggestions that wouldn't require that?  

[Robert_LeClair]

I found the following that describes the differences:

1. Erase - This tool creates a feature class from those features or portions of features outside the erase feature class.
2. Symmetrical Difference - This tool creates a feature class from those features or portions of features that are not common to any of the other inputs.

[Katie_Clark]

Right, but I was just curious if there would be an alternative workflow to achieve this for those that don't have an advanced license. 

[JoeBorgione]

If you use Union, I think you could tease out those polygons that are not common to both.  I don't understand the licensing comment in the help docs that states:

• Basic: Limited
• Standard: Limited
• Advanced: Yes

[Robert_LeClair · Accepted solution]

I ran a quick Pro session to see the differences.  The first image is the 2 overlapping polygons.  The second image is the output from Symmetrical Difference.  The third image is the output from Erase.  Very different views.

[MervynLotter]

I think the use of "limited" in the basic and standard license is because you can only Union two files at a time. With the advanced license you can Union a bunch of files at a time.