Convert Polygons to Points in ArcGIS
October 12, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Data Management, GIS Tips
During analysis it is important to keep various techniques at hand as the data sometime requires creative thinking to carry out certain tasks in a feasible way. One of these techniques to have handy is the ability to convert polygons to points.
In ArcInfo there is a tool that allows this to be done.
ArcToolBox –>Data Management Tools –>Features –>Feature to Point
However, if you have a lower license, there is a simple workaround. (The headings are links to specific demonstrations of these steps.)
Calculate Lat/Long for Shapefile
1. Add X and Y fields to your polygon attribute table
2. Calculate the X and Y coordinates
3. Export the attribute table to a new *.dbf
Create Point File from XY Data
4. Add new table to map document
5. Add XY event layer
6. Export temporary XY event layer file to permanent file
Eyaya Belay on Thu, 3rd Dec 2009 9:34 am
I would like to thank for preparing such a website which is intended to teach GIS electronically and I will use this website frequently starting from this time onwards.
with regards
thank you
Justin on Fri, 22nd Jan 2010 10:28 am
If you’re into extensions, this works well and does a variety of additional conversions you’d need an Info license for: TypeConvert
http://typeconvert.geoblogspot.com/
Sadeck on Fri, 22nd Jan 2010 11:31 am
Não conhecia seu site, achei fantastica a iniciativa de compartilhar conhecimento com a comunidade GIS e por isso gostaria de parabenizá-lo!!!!
Um abraço.
Milos Stevanovic on Wed, 5th May 2010 9:56 pm
I can’t thank you enough for all tips that you have been showing us on your website. I will recommend you to all my friends in the company.
Osas on Thu, 21st Oct 2010 9:43 am
I am so grateful for you helpful tips. many thanks
Joshua on Thu, 26th Jan 2012 6:26 pm
Is there a setting I am missing? I followed the steps but when I tried to display the xy data, my points were out in the middle of space.
Timothy on Fri, 27th Jan 2012 1:07 am
Two things to check. First, make sure you haven’t switched the coordinates for X and Y. Also make sure you are using the correct coordinate system for the XY layer. If the values are in decimal degrees then you will need to use a Geographic Coordinate System. If they are in feet or meters, then you will need to use a Projected Coordinate System.