About Filtering Feature Layers

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.

Tip: In AutoCAD Map 3D toolset, you can filter data in two ways. You can filter after you bring data into your map. You can use the Add To Map With Query option while bringing it in and then use Query To Filter Data to apply a filter.

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).