I have some long linear polygons that I'd rather store as lines but I'm not sure how best to do this. Ideally I'd have a line going through the centre of the polygon lengthways. I have two ideas of how to do this but I'm not sure how to implement them or to what extent they're possible. Perhaps there's already a tool out there that does this?
option one:
1. convert polygon to points at vertices
2. identify the two points furthest apart in each feature. I can do this in point distance but I'm not sure how to automate it
3. mask the area outside the polygon
4. run a cost path between the two points
option two:
1. convert polygon to points at vertices
2. Create theissen polygons around the points
3.(somehow) save the line along the middle between the theissen polygons?
Does anyone know how I can make either of these methods work or if there is an easier method. My Python is weak so I was going to try it in model builder but if I needs Python I can give it a go
Best Answer
Download the ET Geowizards toolbox (Free) and use the createCenterlines tool. I think that should do the trick.