Create a point or vertex where two directions intersect

The Direction Direction tool Direction-Direction Constructor locates and snaps the pointer where two specified directions intersect. You can sketch or type the direction and distance. This tool is available on the construction toolbar when you draw a feature using a feature construction tool.

The following diagram illustrates how the tool locates and highlights where two specified directions intersect, shown as P1 and P2, measured from two known locations shown as A and B:

Diagram showing Direction Direction
The diagram shows the intersection of two directions at P1.

When you use this tool, consider the following:

  • When ground to grid correction is on, your input values are assumed to be ground measurements. An offset angle is applied to directions, and a distance factor multiplies distances. This occurs in real time as you specify construction measurements.
  • The active construction tool pauses until you specify a direction and a distance, and create a point feature or vertex.
  • To close this intersection tool mode and resume standard construction tool operation, click the active feature construction tool.

Specify two directions

To create a point or vertex where two directions intersect, sketch or type two directions and click the highlighted intersection.

  1. Add your data and configure settings for editing.

    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 Create Create Features.
  3. Click a point, line, or polygon feature template and choose a construction tool, for example:
    • To create a point feature, click Point Point.
    • To create a line feature, click Line Line.
    • To create a polygon feature, click Polygon Polygon.
  4. On the construction toolbar, click Direction Direction Direction-Direction Constructor.
    Direction Direction

    The active construction tool pauses until you specify the direction and distance, and click an intersection.

  5. Sketch or type the first direction.
    1. Click the map to specify the origin location.

      To type a coordinate location, right-click the map and click Absolute X,Y,Z Move To.

    2. Move the pointer and click the map to specify the direction.

      To type the direction, press A.

      Note:

      To cancel the direction and specify a new one, press Esc.

    A linear dashed construction line appears on the map.

  6. Sketch or type the second direction.
    1. Click the map to specify the origin location.

      To type a coordinate location, right-click the map and click Absolute X,Y,Z Move To.

    2. Move the pointer and click the map to specify the direction.

      To type the direction, press A.

      Note:

      To cancel the direction and specify a new one, press Esc.

    A linear dashed construction line appears on the map.

  7. Move the pointer along the first direction line.

    The intersection highlights as a point symbol.

  8. Click the map or intersection to create a point or vertex at the highlighted intersection.
  9. To close this intersection tool mode and resume standard construction tool operation, click the active feature construction tool.
  10. To finish the feature, click Finish Finish or press F2.

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcutActionComment

A

Open the Direction dialog box.

Type a direction.

Tab

Step through intersections.

Click the highlighted intersection.

Keyboard shortcuts for the Direction Direction intersection tool