Calculate distance between two polygons

[JoseSanchez]

Hello everyone,

I need to find a way to know if a project was created close to a protected area.  In this case there are 2 polygon layers one for projects and another for protected areas

How can I find for a selected project (polygon) the closest protected area (polygon)  and calculate the distance between both polygons?  Also the project could be inside a protected area.

Thanks

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Near—Help | ArcGIS Desktop 

Generate Near Table—Help | ArcGIS Desktop 

polygons inside other polygons will require attention as indicated in the help,

You could convert the polygons to polylines or points first to explore other options