Centerline Tool

Modified from the Centerline Tool in the Fluvial Corridor Toolbox

The Centerline Tool from the Fluvial Corridor toolbox has been modified and imported inside the Stream Network and RiverStyles toolbox. The modifications fix 1) missing centerlines in sections of the valley bottom polygon and 2) extra centerline segments.

Please reference the Fluvial corridor Toolbox for additional Information on this Tool.

Usage

Parameters

Polygon

Use the Valley Bottom Polygon

Requirements:

Single Part
Only one feature within featureclass

Polyline

Use the Stream Line Network. This tool will create a centerline in sections of the valley bottom polygon where the line network exists.

Requirements:

Line network should be contained inside the Valley Bottom Polygon
Remove any "dangles' or other artficially short line segments attached to the network. These will cause extra centerlines to be created.

Disaggregation Step

length used to split up the valley bottom polygon margins for creating thiessen polygons

TIP: Use smaller values (i.e 10m-25m) to keep detail in narrow reaches.

Smoothing

Smoothing tolerance for final centerline.

TIP: 20m is typically used.

Output

Output name and location of a Polyline feature class that contains the new centerline.

Delete Temp Files

Check to delete temporary processing files after the tool completes.

Geoprocessing Environments

It is recommended to run this tool in 64-bit python geoprocessing.
Disable Z and M if you encounter a topology error.
Make sure to specify a Scratch Workspace if you want to save/review the temp files.

Checking the output

Erroneous features to check for

Extra centerlines, usually short spurs.
Centerlines do not follow the entire valley

Technical Background

Troubleshooting and Potential Issues

Centerline bends at the end of some valleys.

Tool Revisions

GNAT Version: 0.1
- Added Tool to Toolbox

Wiki

Geomorphic Network and Analysis Toolbox / Tool_Documentation / CreateCenterline