Attribute Query in ArcGIS | Select by Attributes | Query Attributes Table

In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), query refers to the process of selecting and retrieving specific geographic data from a database or dataset based on defined criteria. This allows users to extract relevant information from a larger dataset, such as maps or spatial databases, by specifying conditions or attributes that the data must meet. Queries are essential for analyzing and managing spatial data, as they enable users to answer questions and make informed decisions by isolating the data that is most relevant to their needs.
There are different types of queries in GIS, each serving specific purposes. Some common types of queries in GIS include:
Attribute Query: This type of query involves searching for geographic features based on their attributes or properties. For example, you might query a GIS database to find all cities with a population greater than 1 million.
Spatial Query: Spatial queries involve selecting features based on their spatial relationships with other features. This can include operations like finding features within a certain distance of a specific point or within a defined polygon.
Query by Location: Query by location is a subset of spatial queries, focusing on finding features that intersect, contain, or are within the boundaries of other features. For instance, you could search for all parks located within a city's boundaries.
SQL Query: Some GIS software allows users to write Structured Query Language (SQL) queries to extract and manipulate spatial data. This provides a powerful and flexible way to retrieve specific information from a GIS database.
Attribute Table Query: This involves searching and filtering data within the attribute table associated with a GIS layer. It's useful for narrowing down features based on their attributes, such as selecting all roads with a specific road name.
Topological Query: Topological queries involve searching for features that share specific topological relationships, such as finding all features that are connected to a particular feature.
These different types of queries in GIS allow users to analyze and extract information from spatial data to meet various analytical and decision-making needs.