About creating parcels using construction lines

This topic applies to ArcEditor and ArcInfo only.

Parcels can be created using the parcel traverse or built from a network of construction lines.

The parcel traverse works with one parcel at a time, where lines are entered separately for each individual parcel. Parcel construction works with a network of lines where many parcels can be built from closed loops. Once construction lines have been created or pasted, parcels can be built from the line work by clicking the Build Parcels And Save Into Map tool Build Into Fabric on the Parcel Details dialog box. Any dangling lines are automatically set to dependent lines unless another valid category has already been set for the line, for example, a connection line.

Build parcels from construction lines
Build parcels from construction lines.

Parcel construction is useful for copying and pasting line work representing parcel boundaries such as CAD files.

Like with the parcel traverse environment, you can work with parcel construction lines directly in the map or in a local coordinate system.

Creating parcel construction lines

You can use any of the following methods to create parcel construction lines:

Building parcels from construction lines

Parcels can be built from construction lines at any time by clicking the Build Parcels And Save Into Map tool Build Into Fabric located on the Parcel Details dialog box. The build process generates new parcels from each closed loop detected in your construction lines. You can also choose whether to flag parent parcels as historic or to keep them current by clicking the arrow next to the Build Parcels And Save Into Map tool.

You can also add your own build methods through ArcObjects, where you can build parcels based on selected lines and/or line types and so on. An example of a custom build method would be to build an overlapping easement parcel from a single construction line drawn across an existing parcel.

If the build process detects construction lines that are not part of a closed loop, for example, dangling lines, the build process will keep the dangling lines as attached dependent lines.

Build parcels with dangling lines
Build parcels with dangling lines.

Planarizing construction lines

When building parcels from construction lines, the build process requires that each construction line be a single line between two construction points. Lines that intersect need to have a construction point at their point of intersection. In other words, construction lines need to be planarized. Planarized lines are split at their points of intersection.

When lines are pasted into parcel construction, they are automatically planarized during the paste process. For example, in CAD files, lines are often not planarized, and when these lines are pasted as parcel construction lines, they are automatically planarized for you.

Copying and pasting unplanarized CAD lines
Copying and pasting unplanarized CAD lines

Planarized construction lines
Planarized construction lines

You can also planarize lines in the construction environment that have been traversed, digitized, or created using construction tools.

Planarize construction lines
Planarized construction lines

Planarize to create construction point
Planarize to create construction point

To planarize construction lines, click the Planarize Lines button Planarize located on the Parcel Details dialog box.


5/6/2011