Simplifying a feature (Generalize)
You have several options for simplifying the shapes of features. You can use the Generalize command on the Advanced Editing toolbar or the Generalize geoprocessing tool in the Editing toolbox. If your features share edges, you should use Generalize Edge on the Topology toolbar because it will maintain coincidence among features once they are simplified.
The following steps describe the Generalize command, which simplifies one selected feature at a time.
-
Click the Edit tool
on the Editor toolbar and click the feature.
-
Click Generalize
on the Advanced Editing toolbar.
- Type the maximum allowable offset.
- Click OK.
The maximum allowable offset is the maximum distance in map units that any part of the output geometry can be from the input geometry. You can also give the value in other units by specifying a distance units abbreviation with the value that you enter. To learn more, see About distance units and editing.