Batch merge intersecting line segments for a single dataset in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, it is possible to merge intersecting line segments of a single dataset by selecting the features and using the Merge tool. However, manually selecting and merging the intersecting line segments can be time-consuming in projects with large datasets. This article describes the workflow to batch merge intersecting line segments of a single dataset in ArcGIS Pro.

The image below displays the selection of intersecting line segments before being merged.

Procedure

1. Create a buffer for the polyline feature layer.
   1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project containing the feature layer.
   2. Navigate to the Analysis tab and click Tools. The Geoprocessing pane opens.
   3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select the Buffer tool.
   4. Configure the parameters of the tool.
      1. For Input Features, select the feature layer. For this example, a polyline named Pipes is selected.
      2. For Distance, specify the required distance of the buffer, click the drop-down options in the next box and select the measurement unit. For this example, a unit of 2 Meters is specified for the distance.
      3. Leave the other parameters as default. Click Run.

2. Dissolve the buffer layer created.
   1. Navigate to the Analysis tab and click Tools. The Geoprocessing pane opens.
   2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select the Dissolve tool.
   3. Configure the parameters of the tool.
      1. For Input Features, select the buffer layer created in Step 1. For this example, the buffer layer named Pipes_Buffer is selected.
      2. Uncheck the Create multipart features check box.
      3. Leave the other parameters as default. Click Run.

3. Add a new field to the dissolved buffer layer and transfer the ‘OBJECTID’ values to ensure only intersecting line segments are merged.
   1. In the Contents pane, right-click the dissolved buffer layer and click Attribute Table.
   2. Create a new numeric field type to transfer the values of the OBJECTID field. In this example, the new field is named ID and the data type is Long.
   3. Copy the 'OBJECTID' values to the newly created ID field. Refer to How To: Copy field values to another field in ArcGIS Pro for instructions.
4. Use the Spatial Join tool to transfer the attributes of the dissolved buffer layer to the original features.
   1. Navigate to the Analysis tab and click Tools. The Geoprocessing pane opens.
   2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select the Spatial Join tool.
   3. Configure the parameters of the tool.
      1. For Target Features, select the original feature layer. For this example, the feature layer named Pipes is selected.
      2. For Join Features, select the dissolved buffer layer. For this example, the layer named Pipes_Buffer_Dissolve is selected.
      3. Leave all the other parameters as default. Click Run.

5. Dissolve the newly joined feature layer.
   1. Navigate to the Analysis tab and click Tools. The Geoprocessing pane opens.
   2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select the Dissolve tool.
   3. Configure the parameters of the tool.
      1. For Input Features, select the feature layer with the spatial join. For this example, the layer named Pipes_SpatialJoin is selected.
      2. For Dissolve Fields, select the field from the drop-down list. In this example, ID is selected.
      3. Leave the other parameters as default. Click Run.

The image below displays the selection of intersecting line segments after batch merging.