Cutting a polygon out of another polygon with python

Question

Licence: ArcEditor
Version: ArcMap 10.0

I have some issues to separate my data with python. To illustrate the problem, I have simplified the data with figures. I want to cut the blue polygon out of the red one. So at the end, i have only red peak of the shape 1 in my dataset.

Example of the data:

What I've tried:

1. Analysis (Toolbox) -> Extract -> Clip
-> Doesn't work for me, because only the overlapping area will cutting out. And this is always the shape 2. It doesn't matter how i configure the tool. I can't separate the red peak.

2. Select the shape 2 -> Editor -> Cut
-> works perfectly, BUT i can't manage that with python. I can't find any functions that access to the editor.

My aim is to seperate the red peak with a python script, and i don't know how I can solve this. Maybe someone has an idea?

If your Kung-Fu is strong you can do this with ArcObjects' iTopologicalOperator and a basic license. — Jakub Sisak GeoGraphics, May 20 '15 at 18:18
Erase is easily emulated with a Basic level license by using Union then Select as in one of the answers on the duplicate. — PolyGeo, May 20 '15 at 19:17
Sorry, i overlooked that question. The advice from @Michael Miles-Stimson helps me to separat the data. Now i have to try it with python. Question asked before — elbarado, May 21 '15 at 08:21

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 20 '15 at 16:47

1

The exact tool you are looking for is called "Erase". Unfortunately, it is only included in the Advanced/ArcInfo license level. You might be out of luck unless you can write your own version of this tool.

ArcGIS Erase

answered May 20 '15 at 16:47

GeoJohn

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Erase is easily emulated with a Basic level license by using Union then Select as in one of the answers on the duplicate. – PolyGeo May 20 '15 at 21:25
@PolyGeo Sorry, I know this is marked as duplicate now, I'm just curious about the Union/Select method. I understand the Union part, but how would you ensure the correct selection in the script since the union is going to create at least two features in the FC? I must be overlooking something. – GeoJohn May 21 '15 at 14:18
@PolyGeo Nevermind, I see it! You select the negative "erase" FIDs. – GeoJohn May 21 '15 at 14:23

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered May 20 '15 at 16:58

1

The tool "Symmetrical Difference" can also do this:

http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00080000000r000000

This tool is available in QGIS, a free GIS you can download here:

http://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html

answered May 20 '15 at 16:58

Nahas

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This requires advanced license (ArcInfo) in ArcGIS. – Jakub Sisak GeoGraphics May 20 '15 at 18:16
Symmetrical Difference can be easily emulated with a Basic level license by using Union then Select. – PolyGeo May 20 '15 at 19:31
Thanks, Roy. Good to know, that is possible in QGIS, but i can only use ArcGIS with a basic level license. – elbarado May 21 '15 at 08:20

Cutting a polygon out of another polygon with python

2 Answers2