We need options to use "exclusive" polygons to blank areas of a grid, in addition to the current implimentation of "Mask" which treats polygons as "Inclusive" and blanks outside of the polygons.
Reason: in geologic mapping, we frequently have faults, salt penetration, erosion, or other events which create holes or gaps in geologic surfaces. For these, polygons will be created, which we want to create null values in the surface grid.
Work Around: with the current tools, we need to do manual editing to create the desired outcome. First create a large inclusive polygon which circumscribes the grid. Then use each of the exclusive polygons to clip holes in the inclusive polygon. And finally, delete all of the exclusive poygons, leaving behind the inclusive polygon with holes. This effort is far too tedious, and beyond most users. Efforts to find a geoprocessing solution have not been successful.
Proposal:
1. Start by providing the basic ArcObjects method & GP tool to Blank a grid with exclusive polygons.
2. Create a new environment setting for Blank, to augment current functionality for Mask.
3. Utilize this functionality in some other tools. For example, contour with barriers, have an option to blank inside or outside of the polygon barriers.
Note: this request has been on the PUG List for many years, currently at:
Blank Inside PolygonsThis is a quick summary, and I will gather and post additional information in subsequent Comments to this item. For additional information, eMail
Rich@Priemere.com
