Convert polyline features to a polygon feature with an ArcGIS Desktop Basic license in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, polyline features can be converted to a polygon feature using different geoprocessing tools depending on the type of license. The Feature To Polygon and Construct Polygons tools are available with either an ArcGIS Desktop Standard or Advanced license. With an ArcGIS Desktop Basic license, these tools are not accessible.

This article provides a workaround to convert polyline features to a polygon feature with an ArcGIS Desktop Basic license using the Merge and Autocomplete Polygon tools.

The polyline features below are used to demonstrate the workflow.

Note:
This workaround does not replace the functionality of the Data Management toolbox. Upgrade to ArcGIS Desktop Standard or Advanced license to access more capabilities when converting features. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: ArcGIS Pro license levels for more information on the licenses.

Procedure

Note:
To convert polylines to polygons, ensure the polylines are enclosed. Add a new line to connect the points if necessary.

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project.
2. Create a polygon feature class. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Create a feature class for instructions. In this example, the Polygon_FC polygon feature class is created.

3. Merge the polyline features.
   1. On the Map tab, in the Selection group, click Select and select the polyline features to be converted to a polygon feature.
   2. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Modify.
   3. In the Modify Features pane, under Construct, select Merge.
   4. In the Merge pane, click Merge to merge the polyline features.

5. On the Edit tab, in the Manage Edits group, click Save to save the modifications.

The polyline features are merged into a single polyline feature.

4. Convert the polyline feature to a polygon feature.
   1. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create.
   2. In the Create Features pane, select the polygon feature class created in Step 1.
   3. Select the Autocomplete Polygon icon.

Note:
The Autocomplete Polygon icon only displays when a polygon feature class is selected in the Create Features pane.

4. Right-click any part of the merged polyline feature and select Replace Sketch to highlight the feature.
5. Right-click the polyline feature again and select Finish to end autocompletion.
6. On the Edit tab, in the Manage Edits group, click Save to save the modifications.

The polygon feature is created from the polyline features.