When should an ArcGIS user utilize the Select by Attributes tool?

The best time for an ArcGIS user to utilize the Select by Attributes tool is when there is a need to filter features from a dataset based on specific criteria. This tool allows users to select features in a layer that meet certain conditions or expressions defined by attribute values. For instance, if a user wants to select all cities with a population greater than a certain number, they can construct an SQL-like query that specifies this condition, effectively filtering the dataset to only include those specific features.

This capability of Select by Attributes is particularly useful for data analysis and ensures that users can work with precise subsets of data for further operations, such as creating maps, conducting analysis, or reporting.

While selecting features based on location is integral to GIS workflows, that is typically addressed using tools designed specifically for spatial selection rather than attribute selection. Modifying the geometry of selected features involves editing tools rather than selection tools, and exporting selected features to a new layer is an operation that can occur after selection but is not the primary function of the Select by Attributes tool itself.