Points to Line Tool

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07-28-2016 02:13 PM
ChrisSlinko1
New Contributor II

I'm using ArcMap 10.3.  I have a set of points that I need to use to create a line. So I'm using the Point to Line Tool in toolbox but in the middle of the points I need to have the line break and then start the line again.  So what I'm doing is numbering 1,2, 3. .... then starting again 1, 2, 3.... I was just wondering if anyone has come up with a better way or knows if this works.

Thanks

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4 Replies
ChrisDonohue__GISP
MVP Alum

Can you elaborate what you mean by "in the middle of the points"?  More specifically, do you need the constructed line to break at an existing point, or at a position between points?

  • If it is the former, you may want to look into populating your points with an attribute you can then use as your "Line Field" when running Points to Line.  For example, all the points that make up the first line can be given a value of 1, all the points for the second line a value of 2.  Note - if the new lines should touch, you will need to duplicate any point at the junction where lines start/end so they get created and give it the appropriate line attribute.  Otherwise, there will be a gap as no line will be created (see image below where this was the case).

Points to Line - ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2)

featureToLine.jpg

  • If it is the latter, can you elaborate on what basis will be needed to decide where to break the line?

Chris Donohue, GISP

ChrisSlinko1
New Contributor II

The points represent a line. In the points file there are actually 2 sets of points that represent 2 different lines that should not be connected. When I use the points to line tool the 2 lines becomes connected when they should not be connected. Is there any way to get the Point to line tool to create one line then stop then start again for another line. I would like to be able to do this without a script or doing anything exta.

Thanks, Chris

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ChrisDonohue__GISP
MVP Alum

The Points to Line (Data Management) tool will work for what you want if you can come up with a field in the point attribute table that distinguishes which point belongs to which line.  If there's not already a field that contains that differentiation, you can create a new field and populate it with two different values.  Then start Editing and then select all the points that need to become your first line.  Use Field Calculator to give them all the same value.  Then select all the points that will form your second line.  Use Field calculator to give them all the same value, which needs to be different than what you used for your first line.  For example, in the image I had posted in an earlier reply I created a "LineID" field and populated it with "A", "B", and "C".  Then run the Points to Line tool, being sure in the Line Field (optional) part to click on the pulldown arrow on the right and choose the field that you just added the differentiating values to.

points_to_line_linefield.jpg

Chris Donohue, GISP

ChrisDonohue__GISP
MVP Alum

Another workflow - if the intent is to create linework and then split it at existing points, and you have available an ArcGIS Advanced/ArcInfo license, you can do this:

  1. Create the line(s) with Points to Lines (Data Management) with the default settings.  Don't use the Line Field at all.
  2. In your point feature class, select only those points that are the break-points for the lines.  Export this query result to a new feature class.
  3. Use Split Line at Points (Data Management) to break the line(s) you created in step 1.

Split Lines at Points - ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2)

Chris Donohue, GISP

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