Posted on December 27, 2022 (Updated on July 21, 2025)

ArcGIS Pro Unique Values with Domains Does not Display Correct Number of Classes

Hiking & Activities

ArcGIS Pro: Why Aren’t All My Unique Values Showing Up? Let’s Fix It.

ArcGIS Pro is fantastic for making maps, but sometimes things go sideways, right? One really common head-scratcher is when you’re trying to symbolize your data using unique values – especially when domains are involved – and suddenly, not all your classes are showing up. It’s like, “Where did half my data go?!” This post is all about why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it so your maps tell the whole story.

The Mystery of the Missing Classes

So, you’ve got your feature layer, and you want each unique value to have its own symbol. Makes sense! But instead, you’re staring at a map with only some of the values represented. What gives? A few usual suspects are typically behind this:

  • Domain Drama: Domains are great for keeping your data consistent, but if you add new domain values after you’ve already started assigning attributes, ArcGIS Pro might not automatically update the symbology. It’s like it’s stuck in the past!
  • Attribute Gremlins: Little inconsistencies in your attribute values can wreak havoc. Think extra spaces, sneaky typos, or even just different capitalization. ArcGIS Pro sees these as completely different values.
  • Null Value Nightmares: Null values – those empty spaces in your data – can sometimes throw ArcGIS Pro for a loop, especially when domains are in the mix.
  • Subtype Shenanigans: If you’re dealing with geodatabase data, things can get even trickier if you’re using subtypes and each subtype has its own coded domain. It’s like a domain inception!

Playing Detective: How to Find the Culprit

Alright, time to put on your detective hat. Here’s how to figure out what’s causing the problem:

  • Attribute Table Deep Dive: Open that attribute table and really look at the values in the field you’re using for unique values. Are there any weird spaces? Typos? Anything that looks out of place? I once spent an hour tracking down a missing class only to find a single extra space at the end of one of the values!
  • Domain Inspection: Double-check your domain definitions. Make sure all the values you expect to be there are actually included in the domain, and that the descriptions are accurate.
  • Null Value Hunt: Are there any null values lurking in your field? And if so, how are they being handled by the domain?
  • Symbology Pane Scrutiny: In the Symbology pane, make sure you’ve selected the right field for unique values. Also, check if any filters or definition queries are hiding data from you.

    • The Fix is In: Solutions and Workarounds

    Okay, you’ve found the problem. Now, let’s fix it! Here’s a toolkit of solutions:

  • “Add All Values” to the Rescue: In the Symbology pane, click “Add all values.” This forces ArcGIS Pro to take a fresh look at your data and include everything.
  • “Add Unlisted Values” for the Win: If you know there are values missing, use the “Add unlisted values” option to manually add them. This is perfect for those sneaky null values or values that ArcGIS Pro just isn’t picking up. To add new symbol classes for values not included in the domain: Open the ArcGIS Pro project. In the Contents pane, right-click the feature layer and select Symbology. In the Symbology pane, on the Classes tab, click Add unlisted values. In the Select values to add subpane, click Options and click Add new value. In the Value and Label columns, specify the value and label for the new symbol class. In the Symbol column, click Format symbol. In the Format Symbol pane, modify the symbol or choose a different symbol .
  • Declutter with “Remove”: Remove symbol classes for values not present in the data . Open the ArcGIS Pro project. In the Contents pane, right-click the feature layer and select Symbology. In the Symbology pane, on the Classes tab, right-click the Value or Label cell for a symbol class and click Remove to remove the symbol class .
  • Clean Up Your Act(tribute Table): Correct any incorrect values in the attribute table. Use the “Find and Replace” tool to make sure everything is consistent. Trust me, this is worth the effort!
  • Give Null Values a Job: Replace null values with a placeholder value, like “False” or “-1.” Just be careful, this might affect other analyses you’re doing.
  • “Unique Values, Many Fields” to the Rescue (for Subtypes): If you’re wrestling with subtypes and coded domains, try the “Unique values, many fields” symbology method. Select the subtype field first, then the field with the coded domains.
  • Refresh Counts: Click Show count to show the total feature count of each symbol class. To update the count, click the More drop-down menu again and choose Refresh count .
  • Transfer Field Domain Descriptions: Ensure the data is exported with “Transfer field domain descriptions” box is checked under “Environments” .
  • Toggle “Enable symbol layer drawing”: In the Symbol Layer Drawing tab, toggle “Enable symbol layer drawing” .
  • Calculate a new field: Try calculating a new field without a domain on a new type field which displays unique values correctly .

    • A Few Extra Things to Keep in Mind

    • Software Quirks: Sometimes, it’s just a bug in the software. Keep an eye on Esri’s support resources and forums for known issues.
    • Data Hygiene is Key: Good data is happy data! Make sure you have procedures in place to prevent inconsistencies and errors in your attribute values.

    The Takeaway

    When ArcGIS Pro throws a curveball and doesn’t display all your unique values, don’t panic! By systematically investigating the problem and applying these solutions, you can get your maps back on track and accurately represent your data. Happy mapping!

    You may also like

    Field Gear Repair: Your Ultimate Guide to Fixing Tears On The Go

    Outdoor Knife Sharpening: Your Ultimate Guide to a Razor-Sharp Edge

    Don’t Get Lost: How to Care for Your Compass & Test its Accuracy