Filter feature source layers so that only some of the features appear in your map. Using a filter can help you improve performance when working with large sets of feature data.
To filter the layers, define a query condition or a set of conditions that specify which features you want. The procedure is like performing a search.
The result of a filter expression must be a Boolean value.
You can create a single filter for multiple layers from different data sources, as long as they share the property you are filtering on. For example, you can have an SDF layer of parcels, a SHP layer of parks, and an Oracle layer of hospitals. If they all share a STREET_NAME property, you can filter by street name.
You can also create a filter for a group. All the layers in that group must be feature layers (not drawing layers). All the feature layers must contain features (that is, none of them can be empty).