Frequently asked question
When using the editor toolbar merge command to combine overlapping/coincident features, how are unequal Z values handled?
Answer
If the X and Y values are the same (vertices are coincidental) but the Z values are different, the larger Z value is always used in the output vertex. See the example workflow below:Segment 1 of overlapping line feature (note the Z values)
![[O-Image]](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000011550/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wdLm.png)
Segment 2 of overlapping line feature (note the Z values)
![[O-Image]](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000011550/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wdLo.png)
Merging these segments, choosing segment 1
![[O-Image]](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000011550/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wdLp.png)
Result keeps higher Z values
![[O-Image]](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000011550/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wdLr.png)
Merging these segments, choosing segment 2
![[O-Image]](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000011550/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wdLl.png)
Result keeps higher Z values
![[O-Image]](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000011550/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wdLn.png)
Article ID:000011550
Software:
- ArcMap
Receive notifications and find solutions for new or common issues
Get summarized answers and video solutions from our new AI chatbot.
Related Information
Discover more on this topic
Search for related information
Find training related to this topic
Explore ideas and give feedback
Get help from ArcGIS experts
Download the Esri Support App