Copy attributes between feature layers based on spatial proximity in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, attribute values can be copied from one layer to existing fields in another layer based on the spatial proximity between features. Values from the nearest features in the source layer are used to populate the corresponding fields in the target layer. This workflow improves data completeness and supports spatial analysis without adding new fields.

In this example, the attributes from the FireStation feature layer will be used to populate the existing field in the Building feature layer, as demonstrated in the attribute tables below. Each building will be associated with the nearest fire station to support emergency response planning.

Procedure

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. On the ribbon, click the Analysis tab. In the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select the Add Spatial Join tool.
4. Configure the Add Spatial Join tool.
1. For Target Features, select the target layer to store the attributes from the drop-down list. In this example, ‘Building’ is selected.
2. For Join Features, select the source layer from the drop-down list. In this example, ‘FireStation’ is selected.
3. For Match Option, select Within a distance.
4. For Search Radius, specify the preferred radius and select the preferred unit. In this example, ‘2’ is specified and Kilometers is selected.
5. Click Run.

5. In the Contents pane, right-click the target layer and select Attribute Table.
6. In the attribute table, right-click the field to store the attributes and select the Calculate Field tool. In this example, ‘FireStationName’ is selected.
7. Configure the Calculate Field tool.
1. In the Calculate Field window, in the Fields list under Expression, double-click the joined field to copy. The expression is automatically populated with a prefix of <JoinLayerName.FieldName> in the Expression box. In this example, ‘Name’ is selected.
2. Click OK.

8. Remove the join created from the Add Spatial Join tool.
1. In the Contents pane, right-click the target layer, hover over Joins and Relates, and click Remove Join.
2. In the Remove Join window, click OK.

The attribute table below displays the attribute values copied to the Building feature layer from the nearest features in the FireStation feature layer.