Copy line features parallel

In the Modify Features pane, Copy Parallel creates new polyline features that are parallel or concentric to existing polyline features at a specified offset distance. You can create new features on one side or both sides of the selected features.

The results are like tracing a feature at an offset distance. For example, you can create a continuous walking trail polyline feature that follows the contour of a stream boundary, or create a series of parallel lines at even intervals.

Choosing a feature template specifies the destination layer and attribute values. Optional settings include copying a feature multiple times, controlling the shape of corners, automatically trimming self-intersecting loops, specifying the direction new features are copied, and creating a single feature from multiple features.

Copy features parallel

Copying features parallel is a quick way to create features that run parallel to other features, such as roads, or boundaries, such as streams. Copying features on both sides creates symmetrical copies such as pavement lines on each side of a street centerline.

1. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Modify .
2. In the Modify Features pane, expand Construct and click Copy Parallel .

   The tool opens in the pane.

3. In the pane, click Select and select one or more features.
   • To select multiple features, press and hold the Shift key.

   The selected features appear as a list in the pane and highlighted on the map, with arrows indicating the direction of the line.

4. To refine your selection, right-click a feature in the list and use the following commands on the context menu:
   • Flash —Flash the selected features on the map.
   • Zoom To —Zoom the view to the selected features.
   • Pan To —Pan the view to the selected features.
   • Only Select This —Remove all other features from the selection.
   • Unselect —Remove the feature from the selection.
5. Click the Template arrow and choose a feature template.

   The template specifies the destination layer and attribute values for the new features.

6. Check Preview to display a preview of your settings on the map before you create new features.
7. In the Distance text box, type the offset distance.
8. In the Repetitions text box, type the number of times to repeat the offset operation using the current offset distance.
9. When you select two or more polyline features, you can set the following optional settings:
   • Align the direction of connected lines—Copies features in the same direction
   • Copy to seperate features—Creates a new feature for each feature selected
   • Copy to a single feature—Creates one feature along the path of the features selected
10. Check Remove self-intersecting loops to automatically trim self-intersecting lines that can be generated when the offset distance is larger than can otherwise be accommodated by the resulting geometry.
    • This is checked on by default when two or more features are selected and you set the tool to create a feature for each selected polyline line and in the same direction.

    Note:

    Offsetting complex polyline features can produce complex and sometimes unexpected results. Large offset distances in particular can create self-intersecting lines as the tool copies segments perpendicular to the selected features.

11. Notice the direction of the arrows highlighted on the map and specify the side to copy the new features:
    • Both sides
    • Left side only
    • Right side only
12. Specify the shape for the corners of the copied features:
    • Mitered —Extends new line segments up to where they intersect
    • Rounded —Creates arc segments
    • Beveled —Adds straight segments
13. Click Apply.