PROBLEM

Unable to draw parallel lines in a geographic coordinate system in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, when drawing a parallel line using the Parallel function on a dataset in a geographic coordinate system (GCS), the line drawn is not parallel to the original line. Instead, the line is drawn at a certain angle as shown in the image below.

Non- parallel lines

Cause

This is expected behaviour. The parallel function does not work with a Geographic Coordinate System. This is because the parallel lines are drawn onto a 3D surface in a GCS which follows the curvature of the earth.

Solution or Workaround

To resolve this issue, use a projected coordinate system (PCS) for both the dataset and the map view where the map is projected onto a flat surface. To do so, use the Project tool. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Project for more information.

The image below shows the parallel line created when using a projected coordinate system.
 
Parallel lines
 
Note:
If the lines are drawn in 3D scene, which by default is in a GCS, the line becomes curved as it respects the curvature of the earth.

Article ID: 000022066

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 x

Receive notifications and find solutions for new or common issues

Get summarized answers and video solutions from our new AI chatbot.

Download the Esri Support App

Related Information

Discover more on this topic

Get help from ArcGIS experts

Contact technical support

Download the Esri Support App

Go to download options