Dissolving features based on multiple fields in one feature class or subtype (Maritime Charting)

You can dissolve features based on multiple fields to form one continuous feature; this will reduce the number of features in the database. Dissolve settings for one feature class/subtype can be changed within the Current Field Configuration list. The features must conform to the spatial requirements and have the exact value for the fields that are used in the dissolve process.

For example, you can dissolve linear depth contours to form one continuous linear depth contour feature in the DepthL feature class. The depth contours need to share at least one endpoint with the adjacent linear depth contour and have the exact value for depth contour (VALDCO), scale minimum (SCAMIN), source date (SORDAT), and source indication (SORIND).

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. If necessary, load data in the map.
3. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Editing.
4. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Editing Advanced.
5. If necessary, open the Product Library window by clicking Customize > Production > Product Library on the main menu.
6. Right-click the data model version you want to use to dissolve features and click Manage Field Configurations.

   The Field Configuration dialog box appears.

7. Click Tables to Edit.

   The Choose Data Model Version Tables to Edit dialog box appears with a list of feature classes and tables in the data model.

8. Check the check box next to the feature class that contains the features you want to dissolve.

   In the example given, DepthL is the feature class.

9. Click OK.

   The Field Configuration dialog box appears with the selected feature classes in the Current Fields Configuration list.

10. Expand the feature class.

    In the example given, DepthL is the feature class.

11. Right-click other subtypes you want to exclude from the dissolve process and click Exclude Subtype (Dissolve).

    In the example given, you want to dissolve only linear depth contours, DEPCNT_DepthContour; this means you want to exclude DEPARE_DepthArea.

    Note:

    Since all subtypes are already included in the dissolve process for the preconfigured nautical product library, the configuration needs to be changed for DEPARE_DepthArea and not DEPCNT_DepthContour.

12. Click the Display drop-down arrow and choose Dissolve.
13. Expand the subtype you want to dissolve.

    In the example given, it is DEPCNT_DepthContour.

14. Right-click the field to be used for the dissolve process and click Dissolve Field.

    In the example given, the fields are VALDCO, SCAMIN, SORIND, and SORDAT.

15. If necessary, repeat step 14 and set other fields as dissolve fields.
16. Click OK on the Field Configuration dialog box.
17. Click the Production Start Editing button on the Production Editing toolbar.
    Note:

    The Manage Features and Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes windows automatically appear when you start an edit session using the Production Start Editing tool.

    Tip:

    If the Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes window does not appear when you start an edit session, click the Show/Hide Attributes button on the Manage Features window.

18. If necessary, select the features you want to merge or the feature or graphic you want to use as the point of reference for merging.

If you want to use current extent do not make a selection.

19. Click the Production Dissolve button on the Production Editing Advanced toolbar.

    The Auto Select Features dialog box appears. The options available in the dialog box vary based on the map selection, if any. Unavailable options appear with the reason for unavailability in parentheses.

20. Choose an option.
    • All features—All features in the map are merged.
    • Selected features—Selected features are merged.
    • Intersecting current extent—Features that partially overlap the current extent are merged.
    • Intersecting selected polygon feature—Features that partially overlap the selected polygon feature are merged.
    • Intersecting selected polygon graphic—Features that partially overlap the selected polygon graphic are merged.
    • Within current extent—Features completely contained in the current map extent are merged.
    • Within selected polygon feature—Features completely contained in the selected polygon are merged.
    • Within selected polygon graphic—Features completely contained in a polygon graphic that has been drawn on the map are merged.
21. Click OK.

    The features that have the same values in the dissolve fields and conform to spatial requirements are dissolved in one continuous feature. In the example given, the DEPCNT_DepthContour features that have the same values in the fields VALDCO, SCAMIN, SORIND, and SORDAT, and share at least one end point are dissolved in one continuous feature.

22. If you want to view the log file, click Yes, or click No to close the message.