After establishing the topological rules, ArcGIS Pro automatically begins detecting errors. To add a topology layer—either new or existing—to a map, the user can use the “Add Data” button and select the previously created topology layer, which automatically includes the associated feature class layers.
To identify and correct irregularities, access the “Error Inspector” by navigating to the “Edit > Manage Edits > Error Inspector” tab. Use the “Validate” button within the Error Inspector panel to check for inconsistencies in the current map view. It is recommended to zoom in to thoroughly review the area of interest.
Topological “Error Inspector” in ArcGIS Pro.
Resolving topological errors requires careful examination of the Error Inspector panel, evaluating each case and rule individually. For example, applying the filter “Rules > Must Not Have Pseudo Nodes” identifies line segments that are unnecessarily divided. Selecting these errors presents correction options in the “Fix” tab, such as “Merge to Largest” to combine segments with the longest line. Exceptions can be managed with “Mark as Exception” or “Clear Exception.”
Correction of unnecessarily segmented lines.
Before applying topological rules, some lines may not connect correctly or extend beyond their limits. Using the “Must Not Have Dangles” filter in the Error Inspector, unconnected lines can be selected and the “Snap” option in the Fix tab applied with a tolerance margin, allowing lines to connect properly and extend trimmed accurately.
Line adjustment with a “Snap” tolerance margin.
For polygon layers, add the corresponding topology to the map and use the Error Inspector to identify overlaps and gaps. Overlaps can be fixed by applying the “Must Not Overlap” rule and using the “Merge” option in the Fix tab to combine overlapping polygons. The “Remove Overlap” option, however, creates gaps.
To correct gaps, use the “Must Not Have Gaps” rule and the “Create Feature” action to generate polygons filling the empty spaces. These new polygons can be merged with adjacent ones using the “Merge” tool found in the Edit tab under Tools. The results of topological corrections are visible immediately after applying these procedures.
Correction of topological errors in a polygon layer.
