Set options for editing geometry

Application options for editing geometry include settings for merging z-aware polygons, editing modes for proportionate stretching, and a dialog box for uncommitted feature geometry when a tool is deactivated. These options are available on the Options dialog box on the Editing side tab.

Allow nonplanar geometry when merging z-aware polygons

To allow nonplanar geometry to be created when merging overlapping z-aware polygons with edges at different elevations, or to turn off this option, complete the following steps:

  1. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab and click the Options dialog box launcher Launcher in the Manage Edits group.

    The Options dialog box appears.

  2. Click the Editing side tab, expand General and scroll to the Geometry section.
  3. Check the Merge z-aware polygons and allow non-planar geometry check box.

    To turn off this option, uncheck this setting.

    Caution:

    When this setting is unchecked, the Merge tool fails if you attempt to merge overlapping polygons that have different z-values.

    When this option is checked, if overlapping polygon edges have different elevations, the z-values are interpolated and a nonplanar feature is created.

  4. Click OK.

    Your settings are saved and the dialog box closes.

Stretch geometry proportionately

When Stretch Proportionately Stretch Proportionately is enabled, moving a feature vertex moves all vertices and the general shape and segment proportions of the edited feature are maintained. This setting appears on the vertex editing toolbar.

To keep this setting enabled by default, or to turn off this option, complete the following steps:

  1. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab and click the Options dialog box launcher Launcher in the Manage Edits group.

    The Options dialog box appears.

  2. Click the Editing side tab, expand General and scroll to the Geometry section.
  3. Check the Stretch geometry proportionately when moving a vertex check box.

    To turn off this option, uncheck this setting.

  4. Click OK.

    Your settings are saved and the dialog box closes.

Stretch topology proportionately

When Stretch Proportionately Stretch Topology is enabled, moving a vertex moves all vertices and the general shape and segment proportions of the edited feature are maintained. This setting appears on the Move, Rotate and Scale editing toolbar when map topology is enabled.

To keep this setting enabled by default, or to turn off this option, complete the following steps:

  1. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab and click the Options dialog box launcher Launcher in the Manage Edits group.

    The Options dialog box appears.

  2. Click the Editing side tab, expand General and scroll to the Geometry section.
  3. Check the Stretch topology proportionately when moving a topology element check box.

    To turn off this option, uncheck this setting.

  4. Click OK.

    Your settings are saved and the dialog box closes.

Dialog box for uncommitted feature geometry

To display a dialog box and click Apply or Discard when you are sketching feature geometry and you click another tool before finishing a feature, or to turn off this option, complete the following steps:

  1. Click the Options dialog box launcher Launcher on the ribbon Edit tab, in the Manage Edits group.

    The Options dialog box appears.

  2. Click the Editing side tab, expand General, and scroll to the Geometry section.
  3. In the Uncommitted geometry edits section, choose one of the following settings:
    • Always prompt—Always show the dialog box and require uncommitted feature geometry to be applied or discarded when using tools that draw geometry. Examples include feature construction tools and tools that reshape or continue editing features.
    • Apply—Never show the dialog box and automatically apply uncommitted feature geometry.
    • Discard—Never show the dialog box and automatically discard uncommitted feature geometry.
  4. Click OK.

    Your settings are saved and the dialog box closes.

  5. Note:

    To turn off this option on the dialog box, check the Remember choice and don't show this message again check box.

    Uncommitted geometry warning