Create spatial filter

Note:

Some workflows may require specific privileges. For more information about user types, roles, and privileges, see the Accounts topic.

You can use the Create spatial filter analysis function to compare two layers that match specific input spatial criteria and generate a result dataset.

Create spatial filter can be applied to maps with points, lines, or areas (polygons). See Spatial analysis to learn more.

Complete the following steps to use the Create spatial filter analysis function:

1. From the map tools, click Analysis .

   The analysis tools appear, and the Measure tool is the active tool by default.

2. Click the Create spatial filter tab .
3. Populate the following fields:

   The Create spatial filter analysis filters area features from two selected layers and saves the result dataset as a layer to the map and the Layers list.

   • Select a layer to filter. This is a point, line, or area layer that you want to filter. The result dataset will be a subset of this layer.
   • Select a layer to filter by. This is the input point, line, or area layer that will be used to filter the first layer.
   • Select the spatial relationship between the two layers from the Filter type drop-down menu.

     Note:

     Only features with the specified spatial relationship are included in the result dataset. See Usage notes.

   • If you selected a distance-based Filter type option, select a distance measurement unit using the drop-down menu and change the distance using the text box or arrow buttons.
   • Type text in Result layer name—This is a mandatory field.
4. Click Run.

   The result dataset is saved as a layer to the map and to the Layers list, and as a hosted feature service to your organizational account.

Usage notes

The Filter Type parameter is used to specify the relationship between the two input datasets. The following filter types are available in ArcGIS for Excel:

Intersects	When a feature in the first layer intersects a feature in the second layer, the feature in the first layer is included in the output.
Does not intersect	When a feature in the first layer intersects a feature in the second layer, the feature in the first layer is excluded from the output.
Within distance	When a feature in the first layer is within a user-specified distance of a feature in the second layer, the feature in the first layer is included in the output.
Not within distance	When a feature in the first layer is not within a user-specified distance of a feature in the second layer, the feature in the first layer is excluded from the output.
Nearest	Features in the first layer nearest to features in the second layer are included in the output.