ArcMap

Geodetic Densify

Summary

Creates new features by replacing input feature's segments with densified approximations of geodesic segments. Four type of geodesic segments can be constructed: Geodesic, Great Elliptic, Loxodrome, and Normal Section.

Illustration

Input line segments replaced with geodesic segments and written to the output
The input line segments are replaced with geodesic segments and written to the output.

Usage

  • The end points of the segments will be connected using a geodetic approximation. The input segment type is irrelevant; linear and nonlinear (circular arc, elliptic arc, and Bezier curve) segments with common end points will yield the same output.

  • No output feature will be written for input features made of a single segment with coincident start and end points. For example, a polygon feature made of a single circular arc will not be written to the output.

Syntax

arcpy.management.GeodeticDensify(in_features, out_feature_class, geodetic_type, {distance})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_features

The input line or polygon features.

Feature Layer
out_feature_class

The output feature class containing the densified geodesic features.

Feature Class
geodetic_type

Specifies the type of geodetic segment to construct. Geodetic calculations are performed on the ellipsoid associated with the input data's coordinate system.

  • GEODESIC —The shortest distance between two points on the surface of the spheroid (ellipsoid).
  • LOXODROME —The line of equal azimuth (from a pole) connecting the two points.
  • GREAT_ELLIPTIC — The line made by the intersection of a plane that contains the center of the spheroid and the two points.
  • NORMAL_SECTION —The line made by the intersection of a plane that contains the center of the spheroid and is perpendicular to the surface at the first point.
String
distance
(Optional)

The distance between vertices along the output geodesic segment. The default value is 50 kilometers.

Linear Unit

Code sample

GeodeticDensify example 1 (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the GeodeticDensify function in immediate mode.

import arcpy
arcpy.GeodeticDensify_management(r"C:\data.gdb\flight_lines", 
                                 r"C:\data.gdb\flight_lines_geodesic", 
                                 "GEODESIC")

Environments

Licensing information

  • Basic: No
  • Standard: Yes
  • Advanced: Yes

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