PROBLEM

Unable to select features on a map in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: April 29, 2021

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, features on a map can be interactively selected for data analysis, but in some cases, attempting to select the features fail. The map below demonstrates schools around Tallahassee, Florida are not highlighted on the map when attempting to select the schools.

The map in ArcGIS Pro showing the features around Tallahassee cannot be selected.

Cause

  • The layer containing the features is disabled for selection.
  • The layer containing the features is invisible due to the visibility range limits.
  • The 'Selection combination mode' option does not enable the creation of a new set of selected features.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the cause, follow one of the workarounds below to resolve the issue.

Note:
In ArcGIS Pro, open the project containing the layer with the features for selection before proceeding with any of the workarounds provided. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Open a project for more information.

Enable the layer for selection
In the Contents pane, click the List By Selection icon, and check the check box for the layer containing the features.

The layer enabled for selection from the Contents pane.

Ensure the layer is the only selectable layer

  1. In the Contents pane, right-click the layer.
  2. Hover the pointer over Selection, and click Make this the only selectable layer.
The layer that is made the only selectable layer from the Contents pane.

Clear the visibility range limits to enable the layer to draw at all zoom levels

  1. In the Contents pane, click the layer's name.
  2. On the ribbon, click the Appearance tab.
  3. In the Visibility Range group, click Clear Limits.
The visibility range limit values for the are cleared.

Set the Selection combination mode to enable selecting a new set of features

  1. On the ribbon, click the Project tab, and click Options.
  2. In the Options window, click Selection.
  3. Under Selection Combination Mode, select Create a new selection.
  4. Click OK.

The image below shows the schools around Tallahassee highlighted in the selected color, cyan, after enabling the layer for selection.

Note:
The color can be set according to preference. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Selection options for more information.
The map in ArcGIS Pro showing the schools in Tallahassee are selected.

Article ID: 000025341

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 7 x
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 x

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