Points to Line Tool

Question

I'm using ArcMap 10.3.  I have a set of points that I need to use to create a line. So I'm using the Point to Line Tool in toolbox but in the middle of the points I need to have the line break and then start the line again.  So what I'm doing is numbering 1,2, 3. .... then starting again 1, 2, 3.... I was just wondering if anyone has come up with a better way or knows if this works.

Thanks

ChrisDonohue__GISP · Answer

The Points to Line (Data Management) tool will work for what you want if you can come up with a field in the point attribute table that distinguishes which point belongs to which line.  If there's not already a field that contains that differentiation, you can create a new field and populate it with two different values.  Then start Editing and then select all the points that need to become your first line.  Use Field Calculator to give them all the same value.  Then select all the points that will form your second line.  Use Field calculator to give them all the same value, which needs to be different than what you used for your first line.  For example, in the image I had posted in an earlier reply I created a "LineID" field and populated it with "A", "B", and "C".  Then run the Points to Line tool, being sure in the Line Field (optional) part to click on the pulldown arrow on the right and choose the field that you just added the differentiating values to.

Chris Donohue, GISP

ChrisSlinko1 · Answer

The points represent a line.  In the points file there are actually 2 sets of points that represent 2 different lines that should not be connected.  When I use the points to line tool the 2 lines becomes connected when they should not be connected.  Is there any way to get the Point to line tool to create one line then stop then start again for another line.  I would like to be able to do this without a script or doing anything exta.

Thanks, Chris

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ChrisDonohue__GISP · Answer

Another workflow - if the intent is to create linework and then split it at existing points, and you have available an ArcGIS Advanced/ArcInfo license, you can do this:

* Create the line(s) with Points to Lines (Data Management) with the default settings.  Don't use the Line Field at all.
* In your point feature class, select only those points that are the break-points for the lines.  Export this query result to a new feature class.
* Use Split Line at Points (Data Management) to break the line(s) you created in step 1.

Split Lines at Points - ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2)

Chris Donohue, GISP