Editing > Editing Features > Adding Features

Nearest Distance Tool

"Nearest Distance Tool" is to sketch a vertical line connecting a vertex and a specified line segment. This tool can create polyline features and polygon features, but not point features. When you are utilizing "Nearest Distance Tool" to sketch features, the first vertex is the midpoint of the line segment you create. Then, the next vertex you sketch is the foot of the perpendicular from the last vertex to the line you just drag. Then, you can repeat the actions until the polyline/polygon feature is completed.

When using "Nearest Distance Tool" to create polyline features, you need to select "Start Editing", target layer, and click "Add New Features" and "Nearest Distance Tool." Then, in the Map Window, you can create a new line segment which can create a foot of the perpendicular with the last vertex. As a result, the system will connect the last vertex with the foot of the perpendicular automatically. You can repeat the actions until the polyline feature is finished. To finish the sketch, you can double-click or right-click and click "Finish Sketch."

"Nearest Distance Tool" can be used to create polygon features as well. Firstly, select "Start Editing", choose the target layer, and select "Add New Features" and "Nearest Distance Tool." The method to create polygon features is similar to create polyline features. Sketch the first line segment to create the first vertex, and sketch the second line segment. Afterward, the system will create a line segment connecting the last vertex and the foot of the perpendicular of the second line segment. This line segment is the first line of the polygon feature. Then, you can create the third line segment, and the previous vertex (red point) will be connected to the third line segment. You can keep sketching lines until the polygon feature is completed. To finish the sketch, you can double-click or right-click and click "Finish Sketch."

While using "Nearest Distance Tool", you need to pay attention that whether the line segment can produce the foot of the perpendicular with the last vertex or not. If not, the tool is not able to create any line segments, like the graph below.