To merge shapes in ArcMap, you'll use the Editor toolbar. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Start Editing: Click the Edit tool on the Editor toolbar. If the Editor toolbar is not visible, go to Customize > Toolbars > Editor.
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Select the Features: Click the shapes (features) you want to merge. Make sure all features are selected from the same layer. You can select multiple features by holding down the Shift key while clicking.
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Open the Merge Tool: Click the Editor menu and select Merge.
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Choose the Target Feature: A dialog box will appear. Click the feature whose attributes you want to retain after the merge. This feature will essentially become the "master" for the merged shape's attributes.
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Execute the Merge: Click OK. The selected features will now be merged into a single feature, adopting the attributes of the target feature you selected.
Important Considerations:
- Layer Consistency: All shapes must be in the same layer. You cannot merge shapes across different layers.
- Attribute Management: Carefully consider which feature's attributes you want to keep. The attributes of the "target" feature will be used for the newly merged feature. You can modify these attributes after the merge if needed, using the Attribute Table.
- Topology: Merging can impact topology. If you are working with topological data, ensure that the merge does not violate any topological rules.
- Undo: If you make a mistake, use the Undo command (Ctrl+Z) to revert the changes.
