Copy line features parallel

The Copy Parallel tool Copy Parallel copies line features parallel or concentric at a specified offset on one side or symmetrically on both sides of a selected feature. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When you use this tool, consider the following:

  • You can copy features to one side of the selected features or create them symmetrically on both sides. For example, you can create a trail that follows the contour of a stream, create symmetrical pavement lines on each side of a street centerline, or create parking stall line features.
  • 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.

To copy one or more features parallel at a specified distance, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the map containing the features to be reshaped or add the layer to the map.

    To learn more about adding layers, see Add layers to a map or scene.

    Tip:

    Before editing, confirm the layers you are editing are editable, snap settings add efficiency and accuracy to your workflow, and the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing.

    For a basic checklist of settings, see Configure settings for editing.

  2. Click the ribbon Edit tab. In the Features group, click Modify Modify Features.

    The Modify Features pane appears.

  3. Click Copy Parallel Copy Parallel.

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

    The tool opens and the Select one or more lines tool Active Select automatically runs.

  4. Check or uncheck the Use Template check box.

    Checked

    Copy features to the layer referenced by a specified editing template.

    Unchecked

    Copy features to the same layer as the selected feature.

  5. Check or uncheck the Show Preview check box at the bottom of the tool pane.

    Checked

    Display a preview of the result in real time as settings are configured. Click the drop-down arrow and choose a feature template.

    Unchecked

    Hide the preview.

  6. Select the features to copy.

    If features are currently selected, the selection tool displays Change the selection .

    To refine the selection in the selection view, right-click a feature and click Unselect Clear Selected or Only Select This List By Selection.

    The selected features appear in the selection view in a collapsable list.

  7. To copy specific attribute values from other feature layers to the new features, click the Editor Settings button Menu, click Field Mapping Field Mapping, and configure field mapping.

    To learn more, see Configure field mapping.

  8. Click Select Select and select the line features you want to copy.
    Note:

    The selected features appear in the pane selection tree identified by the display field layer property setting. If the field is null, the OBJECTID field value is shown.

  9. To create the feature on a layer that is different from the selected feature layer, do the following:
    1. Check Use Template.
    2. Click the drop-down arrow and choose a feature template.
    3. Check or uncheck the Keep source attribute values setting.
  10. Click Distance and specify the offset distance.

    Ground to Grid Ground to Grid Correction appears when this setting is turned on.

    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. Click Repetitions and increment or type the number of times to repeat the offset operation using the current offset distance.
  12. Specify the side of the selected feature to copy the new features.

    Both Both

    Copy features on both sides.

    Left Left

    Copy features only on the left side.

    Right Right

    Copy features only on the right side.

  13. Specify the shape of the corners.

    Mitered Mitered

    Extend new line segments up to where they intersect.

    Rounded Rounded

    Create arc segments.

    Beveled Beveled

    Add straight segments

  14. Check or uncheck Remove self-intersecting loops.

    Enable this setting to trim self-intersecting lines. Self-intersecting lines can occur when you specify an offset distance that is larger than can otherwise be accommodated by the resulting geometry.

  15. If you select two or more line features, check or uncheck Align the direction of connected lines.

    Enable this setting to align the selected features temporarily in the same direction, indicated by the highlighted arrows. This copies the features on the same side of the selected features and in the same direction.

    • Enable Copy to seperate features to create individual features for each selected feature.
    • Enable Copy to a single feature to create one feature for all selected features.
      Note:

      Choosing this option also enables Remove self-intersecting loops.

  16. Click Copy.

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