topic What is the difference between the different point distance and near tools? in Geoprocessing Questions

What is the difference between the different point distance and near tools?

TimothieBiggs — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:54:55 GMT

Can anyone tell me if I have the correct understanding of the differences between the following tools/techniques:

1) Join point to point using distance option = reports on the single nearest feature.
2) Point Distance = reports distance for all features within radius.
3) Near = as per 2 but reports additional attributes (x,y and angle).
4) Generate Near Table = as per 3 but generates result in new table.

Also is there a simple way to generate a set of lines using the origin point and the x,y (and angle if needed) attributes of the nearest point?

Thanks

Re: What is the difference between the different point distance and near tools?

TimothieBiggs — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:43:33 GMT

OK so after a little experimentation here is a revision of the summary above:

A) Spatial Join - point to point using distance option = reports on the single nearest feature
OUTPUT = new feature class

B) Near = reports on the single nearest feature (with additional attributes x,y and angle)
OUTPUT = appended to input feature class

C) Point Distance = reports on all points within the specified distance.
OUTPUT = new table

D) Generate Near Table = reports on the specified number of points within the specified distance (with additional attributes x,y and angle)
OUTPUT = new table