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

• The select or SQL expression is built with the Query Builder or is typed in. For details on the expression syntax, see Write a query in the query builder or SQL reference for query expressions used in ArcGIS.

• 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 on the selected features, and the expression-based subset of the selected set is written to the output feature class.

• If you already have a layer with a selected set of features, use the Copy Features tool to create a feature class instead.

Syntax

Select(in_features, out_feature_class, {where_clause})

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 about SQL syntax, see SQL reference for query expressions used in ArcGIS.	SQL Expression

Code sample

Select example 1 (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the Select function in immediate mode.

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.Select_analysis("majorrds.shp", "C:/output/majorrdsClass4.shp", '"CLASS" = \'4\'')

Select example 2 (stand-alone script)

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 in the gnatcatcher habitat study area

# Import system modules
import arcpy

# Set workspace
arcpy.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)

Environments

Default Output Z Value, M Resolution, M Tolerance, Output CONFIG Keyword, Output M Domain, Output XY Domain, Output Coordinate System, Extent, Output has M values, XY Resolution, XY Tolerance

Licensing information

• Basic: Yes
• Standard: Yes
• Advanced: Yes