Find the nearest feature

A spatial join joins the attributes of two layers based on the location of the features in the layers. Like joining two tables by matching attribute values in a field, a spatial join appends the attributes of one layer to another.

The nearest feature is defined as the feature that is geographically closest to another one. Proximity is based on a straight-line distance between features.

  1. Select a feature layer in the Contents pane.
  2. On the Data tab, click Spatial Join Spatial Join.

    By default, Target Features should list the layer to which you want to join data. If it does not, click the drop-down menu and select the layer.

  3. Click the Join Features drop-down menu and select the features closest to your target layer.
  4. Under Match Options, choose Closest.
  5. Change additional parameters as needed. See Spatial Join for more information.
  6. Run the tool.

A new layer is added to the map.

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