Simplify Polygon output feature entirely outside input feature

MitchellDrennan

Using the Simplify Polygon tool, is there a way to have all the vertices of the output feature be located outside the input feature? It seems like this would be an option you could check on/off in the tool interface, but I don't see it.

My current workaround involves utilizing the Input Barrier Layer parameter and is as follows:

1. Create a new buffered polygon slightly larger than the polygon you want simplified.
2. Use the Polygon to Line tool to convert the polygon you want simplified to a line feature.
3. Open the Simplify Polygon tool and set the following parameters:
   1. Input Features: new buffered polygon
   2. Output Feature Class: whatever
   3. Simplification Algorithm: Retain effective areas
   4. Simplification Tolerance: 1,000' (I had to play around with this--1000' might not work for you)
   5. Handling Topological Errors: Resolve
   6. Keep Collapsed Points is checked
   7. Input Barrier Layers: Line feature previously created from polygon you want simplified

The resulting polygon is actually simplifying your buffered polygon, but doesn't cross the input barrier layer (which is actually the polygon you wanted simplified in the first place).

You could use a similar process to get a simplified polygon that is entirely inside the polygon you want simplified.

It seems like there could be a simple toggle option on the tool interface to accomplish this.

Lastly, if there is simpler way to accomplish this using some tool other than Simplify Polygon, I would love to know.

DanPatterson

What does your output look like?

Have you looked at creating a convex hull?

Minimum Bounding Geometry (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation