Dissolving features from only one subtype in a feature class

If a feature class contains subtypes, you can exclude one or more from the dissolve process. For example, the CoastlineL feature class has coastline as well as shoreline construction subtypes. If only coastlines need to be dissolved, then the dissolve configuration can be changed to include the coastline and exclude shoreline construction from the dissolve process.

1. Start ArcMap.
2. Load data in the map if necessary.
3. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Editing.
4. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Editing Advanced.
5. If necessary, open the Product Library window by clicking Customize > Production > Product Library on the main menu.
6. Right-click the data model version you want to use to dissolve features and click Manage Field Configurations.

   The Field Configuration dialog box appears.

7. Click Tables to Edit.

   The Choose Data Model Version Tables to Edit dialog box appears with a list of feature classes and tables in the data model.

8. Check the check box next to the feature class that contains the subtype you want to exclude from the dissolve process.

   In the example given, CoastlineL contains two subtypes and you can exclude one from the dissolve process.

9. Click OK.

   The Field Configuration dialog box appears with the selected feature classes in the Current Fields Configuration list.

10. Expand the feature class.

    In the example given, it is CoastlineL.

11. Right-click the subtype you want to exclude from the dissolve process and click Exclude Subtype (Dissolve).

    In the example given, you want to dissolve only coastlines and not shorelines, so you would exclude the shoreline subtype, SLCONS_ShorelineConstruction.

    Note:

    Since all subtypes are already included in the dissolve process for the pre-configured nautical product library, the configuration needs to be changed for SLCONS_ShorelineConstruction and not COALNE_Coastline.

12. Click OK.
13. Click the Production Start Editing button on the Production Editing toolbar.

    Note:

    The Manage Features and Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes windows automatically appear when you start an edit session using the Production Start Editing tool.

    Tip:

    If the Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes window does not appear when you start an edit session, click the Show/Hide Attributes button on the Manage Features window.

14. If necessary, select the features you want to merge or the feature or graphic you want to use as the point of reference for merging.

If you want to use current extent do not make a selection.

15. Click the Production Dissolve button on the Production Editing Advanced toolbar.

    The Auto Select Features dialog box appears. The options available in the dialog box vary based on the map selection, if any. Unavailable options appear with the reason for unavailability in parentheses.

    

16. Choose an option.
    • All features—All features in the map are merged.
    • Selected features—Selected features are merged.
    • Intersecting current extent—Features that partially overlap the current extent are merged.
    • Intersecting selected polygon feature—Features that partially overlap the selected polygon feature are merged.
    • Intersecting selected polygon graphic—Features that partially overlap the selected polygon graphic are merged.
    • Within current extent—Features completely contained in the current map extent are merged.
    • Within selected polygon feature—Features completely contained in the selected polygon are merged.
    • Within selected polygon graphic—Features completely contained in a polygon graphic that has been drawn on the map are merged.
17. Click OK.

    Only one subtype is dissolved. In the example given, the coastline features are dissolved and the multiple features that shared at least one end point will be one continuous feature. Shoreline construction features are not dissolved.

18. If you want to view the log file, click Yes, or click No to close the message.