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Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

474
7
04-14-2025 11:32 AM
Status: Under Consideration
Labels (1)
AaronKoelker
Frequent Contributor

Currently, there is a 'Move' option in the Modify Features panel to relocate features by clicking an dragging on a yellow anchor point. While this works generally well with the "Snapping" functionality on Point features, it does not work as well with multi-vertex features like lines or polygons. Currently the only keyboard shortcuts for Move pertain to relocating the anchor. It would be helpful to something similar to what's available for moving Layout elements—where you can hold Shift or Ctrl and use the arrow keys to move features in specific increments (even better if there were options to customize those increments, too!) This would allow for more precise control compared to manually dragging with the mouse, as well as providing a more accessible control alternative. 

As an example, I am working on creating / modifying floorplan Details for ArcGIS Indoors. Furniture details (desks, cabinets, etc.) are often represented by multiple features, and can be copy and pasted from existing features. However, (re)aligning them along walls or each other is challenging and time consuming to do manually by dragging back and forth with the mouse. It would be much easier to drag it roughly into place, then fine tune the position using the arrow keys. 

EDIT: I wanted to correct that it is possible to control what part of a multi-vertex line or polygon (or a selected group of lines/polygons) will snap to other objects by relocating the anchor (see link above for Move keyboard shortcuts) but being able to do precise incremental movements without snapping would still be a useful addition. 

7 Comments
DanPatterson
RTPL_AU

This ties in with more flexible editing options such as align vertical or horizontal, distribute, etc. 

It is silly how much faster some tasks are in AutoCAD compared to ArcGIS for some really basic things. 

I understand some users have issues with this not being data driven or 'accurate / precise' enough but sometimes we don't have to be; we just need to get a concept or representative map out the door without spending hours editing basic things.

Scott_Harris
Status changed to: Under Consideration
 
Scott_Harris

FYI @RTPL_AU you can align and distribute features with the Move tool (more info).

Scott_Harris_0-1745330716119.png

 

RTPL_AU

@Scott_Harris Thank you and yes, aware of that (along with its foibles). 
Comment was intended to show that this idea fits in with the alignment tools and other quick geometry editing 'shortcuts' that have been requested (some implemented) for decades 🤣 

 

RTPL_AU

@Scott_Harris 

Can you, while considering the implementation, add to the concept that it should work when edited data is not in the same coordsys as map?
The align tools have this constraint, and it is a valid use case to want to align/move things in the projected space, not in the geographic space (for example), while not having to create a copy of the data into another coordsys.

Scott_Harris

Good call @RTPL_AU , I agree Align/Distribute commands should work while projecting on the fly. That is a valid use case. Thanks for pointing that out.