Geoprocessing Tool (workflow) to identify suitable parcels for second building

[MarcoPoetsch]

Hi there,

I'm wondering if there is a geoprocessing tool which could assist me with identifying (on a high level) suitable parcels for subdividing.

Basically, I have parcels and buildings and would like to identify parcels which would have enough space for a second (or third,...) building on it.

e.g. the four parcels below (green) would have enough space for a second building (green circle).

Does anyone have something in mind?

Cheers,

Marco

[MehdiPira1]

Hi Marco Poetsch‌,

You can use Symmetrical Difference from Analysis tools.

Features or portions of features in the input and update features that do not overlap will be written to the output feature class. The output gives a polygon (parcel - building) with calculated areas. Then you can determine if each output parcel has enough area for another building based on your criteria.

Symmetrical Difference (Analysis)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation 

I hope that gives an idea.

[MarcoPoetsch]

sounds promising, Mehdi.

I'll give it a try and let you know

Otherwise I'll go with plan B and make something in the Model Builder

Cheers,

Marco

[MehdiPira1]

Not a problem Marco Poetsch‌.

Keep me posted please.

Thanks.

[MarcoPoetsch · Accepted solution]

Alright, the tool was not quite what I was looking for, since this would result in areas which would be to small (or thin) for a potential additional building.

However, I had a workaround to identify areas with a diameter ≥ X meters  :

1. Negative buffer (where buffer distance = - X/2) of the parcels
2. Positive buffer (where buffer distance = X/2) of the buildings
3. Erase buildings buffer from parcel buffer
4. Positive buffer (where buffer distance = X/2) to remaining area

This gave me exactly what I wanted to have

Cheers,

Marco