PROBLEM

Lateral lines in a geometric network create unwanted connections

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Description

When creating a connection in a geometric network, unwanted connections are also created as the lateral line crosses other lines and new vertices are placed at the connection points. Instead of creating an end-to-edge or end-to-end connection, the lateral lines create an edge-to-edge connection.

Cause

This is a known behavior. The unwanted connections with new vertices are created because the edge is configured as a complex edge. When snapping a junction or an edge along a complex edge, the edge is split in the logical network. Although the edge remains a single feature in the geometric network, a vertex is created at the point where the new junction or edge connects to the feature.

Solution or Workaround

Option A – Use simple edges

Recreate the geometric network and change the edges to simple edges.

Create simple edges

Option B – Remove the vertices at the unwanted connection points manually

In certain scenarios, complex edges must be used instead of simple edges. For example, when there is a single property with multiple services connected to the same line, using simple edges splits the lateral line into separate features. Therefore, complex edges are used because complex edges allow midspan connectivity. In the event where using complex edges is mandatory, follow the instructions below.
  1. Select the complex edge line feature.
  2. Disconnect features from the network by using the Disconnect tool.
  3. Remove the vertices at the unwanted connection points.
  4. Re-select the complex edge line features and the desired connecting features.
  5. Reconnect the features using the Connect tool.
Note:
Modeling a geometric network for water utilities enables utility system tracing, error checking, and better productivity while editing. In addition to the discussed solutions, the Water Utility Network Editing and Analysis toolbar provides more tools such as Add Laterals at Connections and Add Laterals from Line Locations that work with lateral lines. For more information, refer to the following ArcGIS Web Help page: A quick tour of Water Network Editing toolbar.

Article ID: 000013997

Software:
  • ArcMap

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