Finding the best route using geoprocessing tools

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap by clicking Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > ArcMap 10.
2. On the menu bar, click Geoprocessing > Search For Tools.

   The dockable Search window opens with the Tools category selected.

3. In the Search text box, type Make Route Layer and press ENTER.

   The results of the search are listed in the Search window.

4. Click the Make Route Layer link.

   The Make Route Layer dialog box opens.

5. Specify the parameters on the tool's dialog box.

   Learn more about the Make Route Layer tool

6. Click OK.

   A route analysis layer is created.

7. Use the Add Locations geoprocessing tool to create objects in the different network analysis classes that serve as input to the solver.

   Learn how to load network analysis objects using a geoprocessing tool

8. Type Solve in the search text box and press ENTER.

   The results of the search are listed in the Search window.

9. Click the Solve link in the search results.

   The Solve dialog box opens.

10. Specify the parameters on the tool's dialog box.

    Learn more about the Solve tool

    The Input network analysis layer parameter should be set to the route layer you created with the Make Route Layer tool.

11. Click OK.

    The route analysis layer is solved, given that no errors were encountered.