Simplify sections of polygon vertices in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, vertices define the shape and location of a line or a polygon. The vertex count of a feature varies depending on complexity and editing precision. A feature might have a high vertex count, leading to performance issues such as data redundancy and increased storage requirements. As such, vertices can be simplified as a whole to reduce complexity. However, simplifying specific sections of the vertices is a better option. This article provides the workflow to simplify sections of polygon vertices in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. Create a line feature class. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Create a stand-alone feature class for instructions.
3. Create a line feature on the desired section of the polygon vertices.
   1. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab.
   2. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create.

3. In the Create Features pane, click the newly created line feature class.

4. On the editing toolbar, click Trace.

Note:
Alternatively, in the Create Features pane, after selecting the line feature class, click Trace .

5. Trace the vertices section.
6. On the editing toolbar, click Finish.

4. Generalize the line feature using the Generalize tool with the Simplify method. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Simplify for instructions.

The map shows the generalized line feature.

5. Set the snapping by layer properties. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Turn snapping on or off by layer for more information.
   1. In the Contents pane, click the List By Snapping tab.

2. On the List By Snapping tab, right-click the line feature class and click Make this the only snappable layer.

6. Reshape the polygon. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Reshape feature geometry for more information.
   1. In the map view, select the polygon.
   2. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab.
   3. On the Edit tab, in the Tools group, click Reshape.

Note:
Alternatively, in the Modify Features pane, click Reshape.

4. On the editing toolbar, click Trace.

5. Trace the generalized line feature.
6. On the editing toolbar, click Finish.

The map shows the reshaped polygon.