Setting the origin vertex of a polygon

A polygon is a collection of rings. Rings contain collections of points, or vertices, which describe a closed path. The first vertex, number 0, in the outermost ring of a polygon is the origin vertex. Vertices are oriented in a clockwise direction from the origin vertex. The origin vertex is the from-point (and to-point) of the ring that encloses a polygon.

The Set Origin Vertex tool allows you to change the origin vertex of a polygon feature. The following workflows may require you to use this tool:

NoteNote:

Use the Edit Sketch Properties dialog box to identify the origin vertex. A context menu in this dialog box allows you to zoom to, pan to, or flash a vertex.

Steps:
  1. Start ArcMap.
  2. If necessary, add the Set Origin Vertex tool to a toolbar.
    1. On the main menu, click Customize Customize Mode.
    2. Click the Commands tab.
    3. Select Production Cartography in the Categories list.
    4. Locate the Set Origin Vertex in the Commands list.
    5. Drag the Set Origin Vertex command onto a toolbar.
  3. If necessary, start an edit session.
  4. Click the Sketch Properties button Sketch Properties on the Production Editing toolbar.

    The Edit Sketch Properties dialog box appears.

  5. Click the Edit tool Edit on the Production Editing toolbar.
  6. Click the polygon feature with the origin vertex you want to set.

    The polygon feature is highlighted in your selection color.

    A selected polygon feature
  7. Click the Set Origin Vertex button Set Origin Vertex.

    The selected feature's vertices display in the Edit Sketch Properties dialog box.

    The Edit Sketch Properties dialog box
  8. On the Edit Sketch Properties dialog box, click 0 in the # column.

    The polygon feature's origin vertex flashes in the map display area.

  9. In the selected polygon, click on another vertex to set it as the new origin.

    The selected feature's vertices are updated.

    A selected polygon feature with reordered vertices
  10. If necessary, save edits.

4/19/2012