topic Simple random polygon question in Transportation Questions

Simple random polygon question

Anonymous User — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:57:50 GMT

Original User: luke.kaim

Hi Everyone,

Is there a way to create random polygons in ArcGIS or by using python. I am trying to finish my masters and my advisor wants me to create simple random polygons to make test data, but I am a little lost how to actually go about doing this. Creating simple polygons doesn't seem to be that easy. Things that I have already tried, but don't seem to work are: http://www.cosy.sbg.ac.at/~held/projects/rpg/rpg.html and https://github.com/aewallin/randompolygon. I was wondering if anyone else had any other suggestions.

Thank you,
Luke Kaim

Thank you
Luke Kaim (SIE)
Lucas.Kaim@maine.edu
(914)263-7866

Re: Simple random polygon question

GerryGabrisch — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 14:08:52 GMT

Do you need to have a randomly shaped polygon of a specific size? If so, that would require some programming.

What if you create a fishnet of rectangular polygons (using the create fishnet tool in Toolbox, and a new attribute (type double) for the fishnet, populate the new attribute with random values, figure out your sample size, then select that many polygons from the fishnet?

Re: Simple random polygon question

Anonymous User — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 17:32:34 GMT

Original User: rzufelt

Could also CreateRandomPoints, then put a buffer on them. Could also make the buffer size "random" so that it has variable sized polygons.

Of course, would all be cirlcles, except for where they overlapp depending on your dissolve settings.

R_

Re: Simple random polygon question

ChrisSnyder — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 20:52:39 GMT

A poor mans guide to building a "randomly shapped polygon":

Step 1. Generate some random points - using the CreateRandomPoints tool.
Step 2. Use the MinimumBoundingGeometry tool to build a convex hull around each set of points.

Re: Simple random polygon question

DanPatterson_Retired — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 20:55:08 GMT

create random points, determine their convex and/or concave hull...ask your advisor what algorithms he uses 🙂 that is what they are there to do ... "advise"