Auto-Connect Lines Object

Feature Description

The auto-connect lines feature enables snapping one line object (A) to another line object (B) at its start/end point, merging them into a single line object according to draw orderautoconnect. This functionality allows connecting multiple drawn line objects at node snap positions during vectorization, improving digitization efficiency. Connectable line objects can be of different types, including polylines, arcs, rectangles, etc.

The following figure shows a schematic diagram of a river segment. Using autoconnect functionality, individual line objects can be connected at endpoint snaps (green squares) as numbered, forming a new object during digitization.
  • The auto-connect lines feature applies to line layers and CAD layers.
  • The Auto-connect Lines checkbox becomes available only when editable line layers exist in the current map.
  • This functionality works for both simple objects and compound objects.

Feature Entry

  • Features tab->Feature Drawing group->Drawing Settings drop-down menu->Auto-connect Lines.

Steps

  1. Set target layers to editable state in the map for enabling auto-connect lines functionality.
  2. In the Features tab's Feature Drawing group, click the Drawing Settings drop-down button, select Auto-connect Lines from the menu to enable the feature. Alternatively, use the Shift+J shortcut key. Click the option again to disable it.
  3. Draw any type of line object (e.g., polyline) anywhere on the map.
  4. Enable snapping functionality, snap to the start/end point of the existing line object, then begin drawing a new line object (any type, e.g., polyline). For snapping details, see Enable Layer Snapping.
  5. Right-click to finish drawing. The newly drawn line will autoconnect with the first object, inheriting properties from the first object.
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to connect additional line objects.
Notes:
  • Connectable objects include all line types: polylines, free curves, ellipses, etc.
  • Connection only occurs at line endpoints. Snapping to non-endpoint nodes won't trigger autoconnect.