Select (Analysis)
Summary
Extracts features from an input feature class or input feature layer, typically using a select or Structured Query Language (SQL) expression and stores them in an output feature class.
Usage
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The select or SQL expression gets built with the Query Builder, or is simply typed in. For details on the expression syntax see Building an SQL Expression or SQL Reference.
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If a layer is used for Input Features and no expression is entered, only the selected features are written to the output feature class. If a layer is used for Input Features and an expression is entered, the expression is only executed against the selected features, and the expression-based subset of the selected set is written to the output feature class.
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If you want to create a feature class from the selected set of features in a layer, use the Copy_Features tool.
Syntax
Parameter | Explanation | Data Type |
in_features |
The input feature class or layer from which features are selected. | Feature Layer |
out_feature_class |
The output feature class to be created. If no expression is used, it contains all input features. | Feature Class |
where_clause (Optional) |
An SQL expression used to select a subset of features. For more information on SQL syntax see the help topic SQL reference for query expressions used in ArcGIS. | SQL Expression |
Code Sample
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
env.workspace = "c:/basedata/roads.gdb"
arcpy.Select_analysis("nfroads", "paved", '[ROAD_CLASS] = "PAVED"')
The following Python Window script demonstrates how to use the Select function in immediate mode.
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.Select_analysis("majorrds.shp", "C:/output/majorrdsClass4.shp", '"CLASS" = \'4\'')
The following Python script demonstrates how to use the Select function in a stand-alone script.
# Name: Select_Example2.py
# Description: Select roads of Class 4 from major roads tin the gnatcatcher habitat study area
# Author: ESRI
# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
# Set workspace
env.workspace = "C:/data"
# Set local variables
in_features = "majorrds.shp"
out_feature_class = "C:/output/majorrdsClass4.shp"
where_clause = '"CLASS" = \'4\''
# Execute Select
arcpy.Select_analysis(in_features, out_feature_class, where_clause)