Copy an array of features

The Array tool Array distributes copies of selected 2D or 3D features into any number of rows, columns, and elevation levels. You can copy and distribute point, line, polygon, and multipatch features in 2D maps and 3D scenes. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When you use this tool, consider the following:

  • You can specify offset distances by entering values or by dragging an axis handle.
  • You can preserve the orientation of the selected features or rotate them orthogonal to the active rotation angle.
  • Only z-aware features can be copied to elevation levels.

To copy an array of features, complete the following steps:

  1. In the Contents pane, confirm that the layer you are editing is selectable and editable.

    Confirm that the feature layer you are editing is editable, the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing, and snapping is configured to help you work efficiently and accurately.

  2. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab. In the Features group, click Modify Modify Features.
  3. In the Modify Features pane, click Array Array.

    To find the tool, expand Construct, or type Array in the Search text box.

  4. In the tool pane, click Select one or more features Active Select and select a point, polyline, polygon, or multipatch feature.

    To change the selection method, click the drop-down arrow.

    To remove features from the selection in the pane selection view, right-click a feature and click Unselect Clear Selected, or click Only Select This List By Selection to keep the feature and remove all others from the selection.

  5. In the tool pane, check or uncheck the Use Handles check box.
    Use Handles

    Checked

    Turn on axis handles.

    • Dragging a handle updates the distance value in the Offset text box for a column, row, or level.
    • Enter a value greater than 1 in the Count text box to show the axis handles.

    Unchecked

    Turn off axis handles.

  6. Check or uncheck the Show Preview check box.

    Checked

    Preview the arrayed features before creating them.

    Unchecked

    Create the features and do not show a preview.

  7. Check the Rows check box Rows to create rows.
    Offset

    Enter the offset distance between each row, or drag the axis arrow handle to update the value.

    • A negative value adds rows in the opposite direction.
    • Offset values for rows are measured from the bottom leading edge of the selected feature.

    Count

    Enter the number of features to create at the specified offset.

  8. Check the Columns check box Columns to create columns.
    Offset

    Enter the offset distance between each row, or drag the axis arrow handle to update the value.

    • A negative value adds rows in the opposite direction.
    • Offset values for columns are measured from the bottom leading edge of the selected feature.

    Count

    Enter the number of features to create at the specified offset.

  9. Check the Levels check box Levels to create vertical levels.

    This option is available only when you select a z-aware feature.

    Offset

    Enter the offset distance between each row, or drag the axis arrow handle to update the value.

    • A negative value adds rows in the opposite direction.
    • Offset values for levels are measured from the bottom leading edge of the selected feature.

    Count

    Enter the number of features to create at the specified offset.

  10. Check or uncheck the Preserve selected features check box.

    Checked

    Preserve the orientation of the selected features.

    Unchecked

    Rotate the features orthogonal to the active rotation angle.

  11. Set the angle at which the features are copied using one of the following methods:

    Click the Rotation text box.

    Enter the angle. Alternatively, click the arrows to increase or decrease the number.

    Click Set Rotate Rotate.

    Move the pointer, and click the map to set the angle.

    On the status bar at the bottom of the active map or scene, click the Grid button Editing Grid.

    Use the grid to set the rotation angle and disable the angle settings in the tool pane.

  12. Click Array.

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