Using the GIS Query Tool

The GIS Query Tool allows you to query GIS layers in the following ways:

• Query a location in a GIS layer and highlight the GIS object at or nearest that location.
• Query a region in a GIS layer for all GIS objects within that region.

You can also use the Query Tool to execute a URL stored in a GIS object. See Executing a link from GIS data.

The GIS Query Tool button contains two parts: The left side activates the Query Tool. The down arrow on the right side opens a list of GIS layers so you can select one to query (but does not activate the tool).

To query a location for GIS data:

1. Click the down arrow on the right side of the Query Tool . A list of layers appears.
2. Select the layers for the type of data you wish to retrieve (parcel data, road data, waterway data, for example).
3. Click the left side of the Query Tool to activate the tool.

NOTE: Selecting layers from the Query Tool list does not cause those GIS layers to be selected in the workspace.

4. In your image or map, click on or near the desired location.

The GIS object (such as a single parcel or a street segment) closest to your click is outlined and shaded in color. The Selections panel shows the GIS data associated with that object. When you query a single parcel, the Status Bar shows the parcel's perimeter and area.

NOTE: If you are querying a parcel layer and no matching parcel is found, the Status bar displays the message "No results found."

If the "Side / Segment Length" property is checked (Preferences > Advanced tab), the parcel's property lines are annotated with its dimensions.

The Query Tool remains active so you can continue querying GIS objects.

5. When you're done querying GIS data, click another Toolbar button to deactivate the Query Tool.

To query a region for GIS data:

1. Click the down arrow on the right side of the Query Tool. A list of layers appears.
2. Check the layers for the type of data you wish to retrieve (parcel data, road data, waterway data, for example).
3. Click the left side of the Query Tool to activate the tool.
4. In your image or map, drag a rectangle to define the region you wish to query.

All GIS objects within or touching the rectangle are outlined and shaded in color. The Selections panel shows the GIS data associated with the shaded objects.

NOTE: If you are querying a parcel layer and no matching parcels are found, the Status Bar displays the message "no results found."

The Query Tool remains active so you can continue querying GIS objects.

5. When you're done querying GIS data, click another Toolbar button to deactivate the Query Tool.

Related topics:

Clearing query results