Choosing an edge snap method

The edgematching edge snap method aligns features along the edge of one layer to features of an adjoining layer. Typically, the features from the less accurate layer are adjusted to the more accurate layer, which becomes the control layer. Displacement links are used to adjust vertices or the ends of line features to the corresponding locations in the adjoining control layer.

Edge snap supports two methods: Smooth and Line. When using the Smooth edge snap method, vertices at the link source point are moved to the destination point. The remaining vertices are also moved, giving an overall smoothing effect. The Smooth method is the default. When using the Line edge snap method, only the vertices at the link source point are moved to the destination point. The remaining vertices on the feature remain unchanged.

Edge snap also supports adjusting features from each layer to the midpoint of the displacement link. This is useful where you have a large distance between the two features to be joined. Rather than move the endpoint of one feature a large distance, you can move the endpoints of adjoining features an equal amount, thus giving an overall smoothing effect. To take advantage of this, the source and target layer should be specified in the Edge Match tool properties.

To support the edgematching process, you can use the Edge Match tool on the Spatial Adjustment toolbar to quickly create links between features that are supposed to adjoin along a sheet edge.

Steps:

1. Click the Spatial Adjustment menu, point to Adjustment methods, then click Edge Snap.
2. Click the Spatial Adjustment menu and click Options.
3. Click the Adjustment methods drop-down arrow and click Edge Snap.
4. Click the Options button.
5. Click either the Smooth or Line method.
6. Check the check box if you want to adjust to the midpoint of links, then click OK.
7. Click OK to close the Adjustment Properties dialog box.