An overview of the Layers and Table Views toolset

The Layers and Table Views toolset creates and manipulates layers, layer files, and table views.

Layers can reference many data types such as feature classes; CAD, CAD drawing, coverage, shapefile, TIN, and raster datasets; and raster bands. Layers are used to add support for symbology and selections to the data on disk.

Tool	Description
Apply Symbology From Layer	This tool applies the symbology from a layer to the Input Layer. It can be applied to feature, raster, network analysis, TIN, and geostatistical layer files or layers in the ArcMap table of contents. This tool is primarily for use in scripts or ModelBuilder.
Make Feature Layer	Creates a feature layer from an input feature class or layer file. The layer that is created by the tool is temporary and will not persist after the session ends unless the layer is saved to disk or the map document is saved.
Make Image Server Layer	Creates a temporary raster layer from an image service. The layer that is created will not persist after the session ends unless the document is saved.
Make Mosaic Layer	Creates a temporary mosaic layer from an mosaic dataset or layer file. The layer that is created by the tool is temporary and will not persist after the session ends unless the layer is saved to disk or the map document is saved.
Make Query Table	This tool applies an SQL query to a database and the results are represented in a layer or table view. The query can be used to join several tables or return a subset of columns or rows from the original data in the database.
Make Raster Layer	Creates a raster layer from an input raster dataset or layer file. The layer that is created by the tool is temporary and will not persist after the session ends unless the layer is saved to disk or the map document is saved.
Make Raster Catalog Layer	Creates a raster catalog layer from an input raster catalog. The layer that is created by the tool is temporary and will not persist after the session ends unless the layer is saved to disk or the map document is saved.
Make Table View	Creates a table view from an input table or feature class. The table view that is created by the tool is temporary and will not persist after the session ends unless the document is saved.
Make WCS Layer	Creates a temporary raster layer from a WCS service.
Make XY Event Layer	Creates a new point feature layer based on x- and y-coordinates defined in a source table. If the source table contains z-coordinates (elevation values), that field can also be specified in the creation of the event layer. The layer created by this tool is temporary.
Save To Layer File	Creates an output layer file (.lyr) that references geographic data stored on disk.
Select Layer By Attribute	Adds, updates, or removes a selection on a layer or table view based on an attribute query.
Select Layer By Location	Selects features in a layer based on a spatial relationship to features in another layer.

Tools in the Layers and Table Views toolset