A spatial join joins the attributes of two layers based on the location of the features in the layers. Like joining two tables by matching attribute values in a field, a spatial join appends the attributes of one layer to another.
The nearest feature is defined as the feature that is geographically closest to another one. Proximity is based on a straight-line distance between features.
- Select a feature layer in the Contents pane.
- On the Data tab, click Spatial Join
.By default, Target Features should list the layer to which you want to join data. If it does not, click the drop-down menu and select the layer.
- Click the Join Features drop-down menu and select the features closest to your target layer.
- Under Match Options, choose Closest.
- Change additional parameters as needed. See Spatial Join for more information.
- Run the tool.
A new layer is added to the map.