The Similarity Search tool is used to identify candidate features that are mot similar or most dissimilar to one or more input features by on the attributes of a feature. For input, you select either a layer or a selected subset of a layer. The tool can be used to select most similar, least similar, or both. Dissimilar searches can be equally as important as similarity searches. For example, a community development organization, in its attempts to attract new businesses, might show that their city is dissimilar to other competing cities when comparing crimes.

Here is an example of when using the Similarity Search tool would be appropriate. The following screenshot displays a successful store location along with several potential new store locations. This current successful location has a number of attached attributes, including Average Income, Population Density, and Distance to Competitor. A number of possible candidate features are displayed as green points...