This guide explains how to use Smart Search to perform advanced, custom queries on supported Open Data or Layer datasets in your project. Smart Search improves the precision, speed, and effectiveness of retrieving data in the Smart Site Plan Platform. Using an intuitive interface, you can create queries to instantly view and download tailored data onto the map. This feature is available for Team Subscriptions or higher.
Navigating to Smart Search
You can access Smart Search from multiple locations within the Smart Site Plan interface. This feature is automatically available when you have an enabled data source that supports querying.
- Next to the main search bar in the Smart Site Plan interface, select the icon labeled Smart Search.
- In the Layers section, select the Smart Search option for any active layer.
- At the top of the Open Data container, select the Smart Search option.
- Within a selected dataset container, select the Smart Search option to immediately start querying that specific data source.
Context Title / Menu
The Context Title at the top of the Smart Search panel displays the name of the active data source. For Open Data sources, a book icon appears to the left of the title, while for Layers, a stacked icon is shown. If multiple supported data sources are active, a Context Menu allows you to switch between them quickly.
- The Context Title shows the name of the currently selected data source.
- The Context Menu enables quick switching between available Smart Search data sources.
Query Builder
Smart Search offers a customizable interface for creating precise queries to retrieve and download data onto the map. Follow these steps to use its key features.
- In the query builder, select a Property from the dropdown menu. Available options adjust dynamically based on the active data source.
- For example, selecting OBJECTID as the property will display appropriate numeric operators.
- Note: Properties like Shape Area or Shape Length may include an additional unit selection if supported by the data source.
- Choose an Operator for your query. Operators vary based on the property’s data type. Text fields support operators like Equal to, Not equal to, Contains, Not contains, Starts with, and Ends with. Numeric fields include options like Equal to, Not equal to, At least, At most, Greater than, and Less than.
- Enter a value for the selected property in the provided field. You can click an entity on the map to view its queryable property values. For example, enter 155474 when querying an OBJECTID field.
- To add multiple conditions, select the button labeled Add below the current rule. New rules default to the OR condition; click the condition label to switch to AND if needed.
- For example, you could query records where Shape Area is at least 20,000 Sq Ft and PARCEL_TYPE equals ORDINARY.
- To combine multiple AND and OR conditions, use Groups. Select the + icon at the bottom of the query builder to add a new group, which defaults to OR. Switch to AND if needed.
- For example, you might query (Shape Area at least 20,000 Sq Ft and SITE_CITY contains GAINESVILLE) OR a specific PIN like 01030 001001.
- Once your query is complete, select the button labeled Perform Search.
- Matching entities will appear highlighted in bright yellow on the map. As you pan or zoom, new matching entities will dynamically appear based on your query.
- To download the displayed entities, refer to the Download Data/Save to Layers section.
Download Data / Save to Layers
After completing your query, you can download the resulting data or save it as a layer for further editing.
- After selecting Perform Search, ensure at least one highlighted entity is visible on the map. Only visible entities (classified as Point, Line, or Polygon) can be downloaded. Adjust the map view if necessary.
- The displayed count shows the number of entities available for download, updating as you navigate the map.
- If satisfied with the selection, select the button labeled Download Visible Results.
- Choose a format: Shapefile, GeoJSON, CSV, or KML.
- To work with the data as a layer, select the option labeled Save to Layers. After saving, the button will change to View in Layers.
- Selecting View in Layers opens the Layers panel and activates the new layer containing your queried entities. Additional saves to the same source will merge data into the existing layer, automatically removing duplicates.
Data Management Menu
Reset Search
Select the button labeled Reset Search to restore the query builder to its original configuration.
Search History
After performing a search, the Search History panel lists your previous queries. Each entry includes an icon on the left: a book icon for Open Data searches or a stacked icon for Layer-based searches, making it easy to identify the source type. Entries are sorted by recent use, with duplicate queries (identical titles and URLs) merged to keep the history organized.
Operators
Example
This query retrieves records with an OBJECTID equal to 401348.
Example
This query excludes records with an OBJECTID of 401348.
Example
This query finds records with a Shape Length of at least 4000 Feet.
Example
This query locates records with a Shape Area of at most 0.5 Acres.
Example
This query selects records with a RIMELEV greater than 400.
Example
This query selects records with an INVELEV below 300.
Example
This query selects records where JURISDICTION includes Fair.
Example
This query excludes records where data_version includes 2022 Q3.
Example
This query retrieves records where ServiceArea starts with Central.
Example
This query retrieves records where LOCALITY ends with County.
Need more help with Smart Search? Our team is here to help. You can reach us at Smart Site Plan Support.