4 : Using Spatial Adjust

Using Spatial Adjust

Sometimes, we need to use data from different sources. In this case, we will need to align and integrate our data that they can be used together.

The Spatial Adjustment tools, are a very easy way to do this task. In this recipe, we will learn how to use Spatial Adjustment tools in a very similar method to the georeferencing a raster dataset. This tool allow you to improve the quality of your data. In this recipe we are speaking about vector data.

Let's start :

Turn on the “Spatial Adjustment toolbar” by clicking on ‘Customize’ in the ArcMap menu, then choose ‘Toolbars’ and select ‘Spatial Adjustment’

1.       Add a control layer which is the layer with the known coordinates

2.       Add the data to be adjusted

3.       Start a new editing session

4.       Add the displacement links 

5.       Verify the RMS error

6.       Adjust our data

·         Add a control layer, for example a Base Map Layer :

In the “Standard Toolbar” choose ‘Add Basemap’, choose Imagery and validate by clicking ‘Add’.

·         Add the data to be adjusted, for example a shapefile :

In the “Standard Toolbar” choose ‘Add Data’, choose your shapefile and validate by clicking ‘Add.

·         Start a new editing session :

In the “Editor Toolbar” choose ‘Editor’ then ‘Start Editing’. You will be prompted to select the target folder for editing.

·         Use the ‘New Displacement Link Tool’ button, in the “Spatial Adjustment Toolbar” to add displacement links between the shapefile and the control layer.

Click on a known location point in your shapefile, then zoom to the same location in the control layer, and click on it. Perform this step four more times. Three at the corner, and one at the center.

·         Adjust the data :

In the “Spatial Adjustment Toolbar” choose ‘Spatial Adjustment’ Button, and select ‘Set Adjust Data’. In the ‘Choose Input for Adjustment’ dialog box, check ‘All features in this layers’ radio button, and check the layer to be adjusted. Click OK. We can preview the adjustment before you perform it. If it’s OK, choose ‘Adjust’.

If you zoom into the new location of our shapefile, we will note a better overlay between the control layer and our adjusted layer(s).

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