Add Join should warn user if join table has a definition query

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12-10-2022 08:22 AM
Status: Implemented
Labels (1)
Bud
by
Notable Contributor

The Add Join tool should warn the user if the join table has a definition query, since the definition query will be applied to the join.

Bud_0-1670690096436.png

For example, if we're using a map that someone else created, we might not be aware that the join table has a definition query. And so the definition query would be applied unknowingly.


Edit:

I suppose the GP tool could be enhanced so that the definition query is shown as an editable SQL expression text box right in the tool. We’d have the option of changing the definition query or removing it, if needed (in the join, not the underlying table). Or we could even add a new definition query, if there wasn’t one already.

That would have the added benefit of making it abundantly clear that there is a definition query. It would be hard to ignore. Whereas a small yellow exclamation mark beside a field is easy to accidentally overlook, especially when we see those exclamation points regularly for things like “no index” warnings.


ArcGIS Pro 3.0.3

6 Comments
DanPatterson

Do you mean in the interface? Because it is in the help

Add Join (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation

The definition query of the join table will be applied to the input layer or table view. The definition query can be removed using the Remove Join tool or by manually removing the definition query from the layer.

Bud
by

@DanPatterson  Yeah, I meant in the GP tool UI.

DrewFlater
Status changed to: Under Consideration

An informational tip will be added below the Join Table parameter in a future release, to indicate that the specified layer/table has a definition query which will be moved to the input layer when performing the join. This is such a special case and behavior we agree the information should be presented directly to the user, not behind a small warning icon or solely in the tool documentation. An editable definition query control will not be placed on the tool dialog, that is outside what we can do at this time. 

DrewFlater
Status changed to: In Product Plan

ArcGIS Pro 3.2 has a parameter tip to indicate that the join table definition query will impact the join. 

DrewFlater_0-1692657537005.png

 

MargaretCrawford
Status changed to: Implemented

This Idea has been implemented in ArcGIS Pro 3.2. Read this blog to learn more about the enhancements we made to the join tools in Pro 3.2. 

Also, see the What's New documentation for more new features in Pro 3.2.

Bud
by

ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2; File Geodatabase


Just a heads up to anyone reading this:

An SQL Expression in Make Query Table does not produce a definition query in the resulting layer; the SQL Expression is hidden.  Consistent/visible SQL expressions and query definitions in layers 

So, the Add Join tool will not warn the user about the SQL Expression, unlike if there was a definition query via Make Table View or Make Feature Layer.

Bud_0-1708613852272.png

But I suppose that's expected since the SQL Expression isn't a definition query, and this idea was specifically for definition queries.

Related: Add Join not keeping all target features