Defining a definition query set

The Definition Queries tab on the Feature Display Settings dialog box provides you with a way to determine which features appear on a map or chart. The queries included in the set indicate what features display on the map or chart.

When you create definition query sets, you can create queries that work across several feature classes or individual queries for each feature layer. Similar definition queries are used on multiple maps or charts. By storing the definition query sets, you can recall, apply, modify, and save query sets for multiple layers. You do not have to manually create definition queries for all feature layers and apply new queries to additional feature layers in different maps or charts. This means that your set can include several queries for individual feature layers or a single query that includes all feature layers in your map.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Customize.

   The Customize dialog box appears.

3. Click the Commands tab. In the Categories list, choose Production Cartography.
4. In the Commands list, choose Feature Display Settings.
5. Drag the Feature Display Settings command onto any toolbar.
6. Click the Feature Display Settings button .

   The Feature Display Settings dialog box appears.
7. If necessary, click the Definition Queries tab.
8. Click the name of the feature layer for which you want to define the definition query in the Feature Layers list.

   For example, ADHP_C.

   Note:

   Checking the check box next to the feature layer will not select it.

9. Click SQL.

   The Define Query Expression dialog box appears.
10. Double-click the field you want to use in the query.

    The field name appears in the Where text box. For example, MapId_Txt.

11. Click an operator.

    The operator appears in the Where text box. For example, =.

12. Click Get Unique Values.

    The unique values for the field appear.

13. Double-click the value you want to use in the query.

    The unique value appears after the operator in the Where text box.

14. Click Verify.

    The Verifying expression message appears and indicates whether or not the expression is valid.

15. Click OK to close the verification message.
16. Click OK on the Define Query Expression dialog box.

    The Definition Queries tab appears.

17. Repeat steps 8–16 for each feature layer you want to include in the definition query set.
18. Check the check box next to the layers you want to include in the saved definition query set.
19. Click Save As.

    A message appears notifying you that the settings you want to save have not been applied to the map or verified.

20. Click Yes to continue with the saving process.

    The Feature Display Settings dialog box appears.
21. Type a name for the definition query set in the Enter the set name text box.
22. Type a description for the definition query set in the Enter the set description text box.
23. Click OK.

    The Definition Queries tab appears. The layers for which definition queries have been saved will change to bold text once you have saved the query set.

24. Click the Close button to close the Feature Display Settings dialog box.
    Tip:

    If you want to use the same definition query for all the feature layers, you can define the definition query once and copy and paste it into the Multiple definition queries (checked items) text box. Check the check boxes next to the layers to which you want to apply the same definition query and click Replace. Each of the checked layers now have the specified definition query applied. Click OK to dismiss the Definition Queries replaced message.