Polygon vertices shift when split at small scales in ArcGIS Pro

Description

When a polygon feature is split using the Split tool at small scales in ArcGIS Pro, the vertices shift from their original positions. This occurs when the endpoint of the sketch line snaps to an existing vertex or aligns with the polygon edge.

The image below shows the vertices of the polygon feature displaced after the split.

Cause

Editing polygons at very small scales in ArcGIS Pro can cause vertices to shift due to snapping, display, and floating-point precision limitations.

Solution or Workaround

Add an extra vertex to the sketch line

Add an extra vertex when sketching the split line to prevent the endpoint from snapping directly to the polygon edge in ArcGIS Pro. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Split a polygon feature for instructions. In Step 7, place an additional vertex just before the final endpoint, close to the polygon boundary, so the split line does not snap on an existing edge or vertex.

Align polygon edges using the Align Features tool

Use the Align Features tool to correct displaced vertices that occur after splitting a polygon. It can also be used to close gaps between adjacent features, such as parcel boundaries or complex feature geometry. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Align features to a traced line for instructions.

Alternatively, use the Align Features geoprocessing tool to align the polygons simultaneously. When the polygons and their boundaries are created in separate feature layers, the boundary polylines can be used as the reference layer to align the features and ensure consistency. This approach is particularly useful for large datasets.

Create a topology to validate and correct polygon features

In ArcGIS Pro, create a topology to identify, validate, and correct overlaps, gaps, or misalignments in polygon features after splitting. Validation with the Error Inspector highlights gaps or overlaps between features, which can be corrected using the Align Edge tool. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Align topological edges for instructions and more information.

The image below shows the vertices of the polygon features maintained at their original positions.