[GIS] Create new layer by selection within ModelBuilder in ArcMap 10

arcgis-10.0arcgis-desktopbuffermodelmodelbuilder

I have a basic abutters model built so far. Right now I have it set up to:

  1. Select a parcel by an expression.
  2. Buffer parcel by a value.
  3. Select by location which highlights all parcels within the buffered area.

I would like to have a new feature class created with only the selected parcel between steps 1 and 2. I tried putting copy features between the output of the first selection and the buffer, but a new feature class of just the selected isn't created.

I would like to do this so the selected parcel has a separate symbology than the rest of the parcels.

screenshot

Best Answer

Looking at your model, here is what I suggest you do to make your model perform the way you are expecting it to. Your model should be built in the following order:

  1. Instead of the "Select" too, use the "Make Feature Layer" tool. Not only will this allow you to use a Featureclass (from disk, not ArcMap TOC) or a Layer (from ArcMap TOC), you can also apply a "where_clause" to select certain features by expression, just like you have in your "Select" tool parameter.
  2. You do not need to copy features in Step 2. All geoprocessing tools work on the currently selected set.
  3. There is no need to use buffer in Step 3 unless you actually want the buffer shape written to disk. The "Select by Location" tool allows you to add a parameter for buffer distance.
  4. Use "Select Layer by Location", just as you have it, but exposed and apply a value to the "search_distance" parameter.
  5. Finally, use the "Copy Features" tool to output the results of your "Select By Location" to a new featureclass and write the layer to disk. Be sure to right-click and choose "Add to Display" to get the output of this function to automatically add to your ArcMap TOC.
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