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 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.

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:

• Digitizing lines

  You can digitize straight lines in a freehand approach in the parcel construction environment. As each line is added, the dimensions are computed from the line geometry and are populated in the parcel construction line grid.

• Pasting lines from an external data source

  You can copy lines from an external source, such as a feature class, and paste the lines into the parcel construction environment. This is an easy way of bringing CAD line work into the parcel construction environment. When copying lines from an external source, you need to ensure that the lines are planarized. Planarized lines are split at their points of intersection (in other words, there are always nodes at points of intersection). Lines that are pasted into the construction environment are automatically planarized for you. You can also planarize your lines before copying and pasting them into the construction environment by using the Planarize tool on the Topology toolbar.

• Traversing lines

  You can traverse in construction lines by entering a sequential set of dimensions in the construction line grid. You can traverse in any number of construction lines in the construction line grid; however, you cannot generate misclose information like you can in the parcel traverse grid, as you are not working with an individual parcel. The purpose of the construction line grid is to store a network of construction lines from which parcels can be generated.

• Spitting lines using the Breakline tool

  You can add construction points to an existing construction line using the Breakline tool. The Breakline tool is also used to add construction points to the lines of a parcel when the parcel is being split using the Construct from parent command. Construction points are added at specified distances from the starting point of a parcel line or construction line.

• Creating parallel offset lines

  You can add new construction lines that are parallel to existing construction lines using the Create Parallel Offset tool. The Create Parallel Offset tool is also used to add construction split lines to a parcel when the parcel is being split using the Construct from parent command. For example, the Create Parallel Offset tool can be used when creating easement lines, which are often parallel to existing parcel boundaries.

• Creating lines using an internal angle and a distance

  You can create construction lines that are deflected off an existing construction line at a specified angle and length using the Angle/Length tool. The Angle/Length tool is also used to add construction split lines to a parcel when the parcel is being split using the Construct from parent command. The Angle/Length tool would typically be used when splitting parcels that are created using internal angles instead of bearings.

• Converting existing parcels to construction lines

  Existing parcels can be unjoined and converted to construction lines. For example, you would convert an existing subdivision block into its construction lines if you wanted to use new construction lines to split the block into its subdivided parcels and rights-of-way. When a parcel is converted into construction lines, the original parcel is preserved and unchanged.

  To convert an existing parcel to construction lines, right-click the parcel and click Unjoin to unjoin it. In the Parcel Explorer window, right-click the unjoined parcel and click Construction.

• Adding segmented construction lines

  The Segmented Line tool located on the Parcel Details dialog box can be used to add construction lines that are already segmented or split with a specified number of segments.

• Creating construction lines using COGO tools

  COGO tools are available for adding and computing construction line work. For example, construction lines can be added using tools such as Delta X,Y and distance-distance intersection.

  Learn more about using COGO tools in the parcel fabric

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 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.

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

Planarized construction lines

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

Planarized construction lines

Planarize to create construction point

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