Raster to Polyline (Conversion)

Summary

Converts a raster dataset to polyline features.

Usage

Syntax

RasterToPolyline_conversion (in_raster, out_polyline_features, {background_value}, {minimum_dangle_length}, {simplify}, {raster_field})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_raster

The input raster dataset.

The raster must be integer type.

Raster Layer
out_polyline_features

The output feature class that will contain the converted polylines.

Feature Class
background_value
(Optional)

Specifies the value that will identify the background cells. The raster dataset is viewed as a set of foreground cells and background cells. The linear features are formed from the foreground cells.

  • ZEROThe background is composed of cells of zero or less or NoData. All cells with a value greater than zero are considered a foreground value.
  • NODATAThe background is composed of NoData cells. All cells with valid values belong to the foreground.
String
minimum_dangle_length
(Optional)

Minimum length of dangling polylines that will be retained. The default is zero.

Double
simplify
(Optional)

Simplifies a line by removing small fluctuations or extraneous bends from it while preserving its essential shape.

  • SIMPLIFYThe polylines will be simplified. This is the default.
  • NO_SIMPLIFYThe polylines will not be simplified.
Boolean
raster_field
(Optional)

The field used to assign values from the cells in the input raster to the polyline features in the output dataset.

It can be an integer or a string field.

Field

Code Sample

RasterToPolyline example (Python window)

Converts a raster dataset to polyline features.

import arcpy
from arcpy import env
env.workspace = "c:/data"
arcpy.RasterToPolyline_conversion("flowstr", "c:/output/streams.shp", "ZERO",
                                   50, "SIMPLIFY")
RasterToPolyline example (stand-alone script)

Converts a raster dataset to polyline features.

# Name: RasterToPolyline_Ex_02.py
# Description: Converts a raster dataset to polyline features.
# Requirements: None

# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env

# Set environment settings
env.workspace = "C:/data"

# Set local variables
inRaster = "flowstr"
outLines = "c:/output/flowstream.shp"
backgrVal = "ZERO"
dangleTolerance = 50
field = "VALUE"

# Execute RasterToPolygon
arcpy.RasterToPolyline_conversion(inRaster, outLines, backgrVal, 
                                  dangleTolerance, "SIMPLIFY", field)

Environments

Related Topics

Licensing Information

ArcView: Yes
ArcEditor: Yes
ArcInfo: Yes

11/14/2011