Modify existing line segment using trace tool

[JeffGarcia1]

Hello

What I'm trying to do is modify an existing line segment by using the trace tool functionality. We have existing lines running along streets and alleys. The existing data does not follow the parcel lines smoothly and I want to correct the data and have the existing line segments follow along the parcel line for instance, offset a certain distance away. I want that unique shape of the curves to my line segments.

Using the reshape or edit vertex points doesn't quite let me do what I'm looking for. Is this a possible edit task? I want to select the existing line segment, modify it by using the trace tool on the parcels, offset at a distance and update the existing geometry of the feature. I want to keep all the attribute information the same.

Any thoughts or workflows out there that can help would be greatly appreciated.

[RhondaGlennon]

You can use Reshape Feature in conjunction with tracing if you have ArcGIS 10 or 10.1. You can also set an offset on the trace. (This is much trickier in ArcGIS 9.x.) See if these steps help you.
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/#/Reshaping_a_line_to_match_another_feature/01m6000000...

If you need to extend an existing line and then trace in the new segments at the end of the line, try the Continue Feature tool with trace. Continue Feature is not on the user interface in ArcGIS 10, but needs to be added (you need to install at least ArcGIS 10 SP2 to get this). With ArcGIS 10.1, it is on the Edit Vertices toolbar.

Continue Feature with ArcGIS 10:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/#/by_sketching/001t00000412000000/

Continue Feature with ArcGIS 10.1:
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/#/by_sketching/01m800000020000000/

Keep in mind that only geodatabases can store true curves. If you are trying to trace a curve and store it in a shapefile, you will end up with a series of straight lines that looks like a curve.