Calculate the orientation of polygons

[KlausKlaassen]

I want to calculat in what geografic direction (north, east, etc) polygons are geared.
Is this possible?

Thanks for answer.

[DanLee]

You can use the Minimum Bounding Geometry tool with the RECTANGLE_BY_WIDTH to get the ORIENTATION of the bounding rectangle, which is a good estimate of the orientation of a polygon.
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00170000003q000000

The output contains the ORIG_FID, which can be joined with the input polygon to transfer the ORIENTATION field, using the Join Field tool.

[JoelCalhoun · Accepted solution]

There is also the Calculate Polygon Main Angle tool.

Though I believe you need to add an angle field to your polygon layer first.


Joel

[DuncanHornby]

Joel,

Did not know about this tool but it's worth mentioning that it is only available for people with ArcEditor or greater.

Duncan

[DanPatterson_Retired]

perhaps the Minimum Area Bounding Rectangle from this
http://resources.arcgis.com/gallery/file/geoprocessing/details?entryID=3D230972-1422-2418-34A5-2F3FF...
will get you started, it works at all license levels

[DanLee]

I just want to clarify:  both RECTANGLE_BY_WIDTH and RECTANGLE_BY_AREA options in Minimum Bounding Geometry tool are available at all license levels.