Merging network features

Merging combines two or more features from the same layer into one. In Production Mapping, the Production Merge tool allows you to merge features from the same feature class as well as those that participate in a geometric network. However, if merging the features would result in a multipart edge, you cannot merge the two edges.

In the example below, there are three segments in the distribution line (in blue and green) that could be merged into one feature to represent it as a single distribution line.

Distribution line that is divided into several segments

Once the features are selected, the target feature, or the feature with which the others are going to be merged, needs to be selected. The feature you select is going to have the other two features combined with it to form a single line.

Merge Network Feature dialog box with three segments of the distribution line

The resulting merged geometric network edge retains the attributes of the target feature. Certain metadata attributes add their values together, such as SHAPE_LENGTH, which sums the lengths of all the merged features, and the resulting value populates the field.

The line segment after the features have been merged

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. If necessary, load data in the map.
3. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Editing.
4. Click the Production Start Editing button on the Production Editing toolbar.
   Note:

   The Manage Features and Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes windows automatically appear when you start an edit session using the Production Start Editing tool.

   Tip:

   If the Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes window does not appear when you start an edit session, click the Show/Hide Attributes button on the Manage Features window.

5. Select the line or polygon feature you want to reshape using the Select tool on the Tools toolbar or the Edit tool on the Production Editing toolbar.
6. Click the Production Merge button on the Production Editing Advanced toolbar.

   The Merge Network Feature dialog box appears.

   Merge Network Feature dialog box with three segments of the distribution line

7. Choose the feature you want to use as the target feature.
8. Click OK.

The selected features are combined into one.

Tip:

Production Merge cannot be used if the resulting feature is going to be a multipart edge.