Which QGIS processing tool to use to select non-shared features in two layers?

Question

I have two layers each of which have hundreds of polygons. I want to create a new layer, which is reflective of the features which the two layers don't share.

I've been using the QGIS difference and the symmetrical difference tools, and even though the map displays right, the feature count is totally off.

For example, the first layer has 3,000 features and the second has 1,000. The new layer should have 2,000. And, again, even though it displays just fine with the difference tool, the feature count is like 2999 on the new layer. I don't get what's happening. I need the feature count to be accurate because I need the CSV file.

Answer 1

There are several ways to do this, but one method you can do entirely via GP tools/python is to add the following tools to a script/model:

1. Use Make Feature Layer to create layers from your feature classes.

2. Use Select Layer By Location, choose the ARE_IDENTICAL_TO Relationship type, and invert the spatial relationship (will select all features in your input FC that are not identical to the other layer).

3. Use Copy Features to create a FC from your selection.

Edit: This answer is how to do this in ArcGIS, while the question was edited after this response to specify QGIS.