HOW TO MAKE A NETWORK DATASET IN ARCGIS PRO

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on creating a network dataset in ArcGIS Pro. A well-constructed network dataset is essential for accurate network routing results, making this process crucial for anyone working with spatial data and network analysis.

Step 1: Ensure Network Analyst Licensing

• Open ArcGIS Pro.
• Navigate to the Project tab.
• Scroll down to the Network Analyst section.
• Ensure that the licensing is active (it should say "Yes"). If not, enable the extension.

Step 2: Review Input Data

• Access your exercise data, specifically the driving folder within the network geodatabase.
• Temporarily add the geometry layer named can rte to your map to examine the road segments in Ottawa.
• Use the Identify tool to view the attributes of a road segment, checking for:
  • Road name
  • Address ranges (important for geocoding)
  • Speed (in kilometers per hour)
  • Road length (in meters)
  • Travel times (from minutes and to minutes)
  • Elevation fields (important for vertical connectivity)

Step 3: Remove Geometry Layer

• Before creating the network dataset, remove the can rte layer from your map to avoid conflicts.

Step 4: Create the Network Dataset

• Right-click on the driving feature dataset.
• Select "New Network Dataset."
• Name the dataset (e.g., driving_nd).
• Check the box next to can rte to include it as a participating feature class.
• Ensure that the elevation fields are included for modeling.
• Click "Run" to create the blank network dataset.

Step 5: Set Network Dataset Properties

• Right-click on the newly created network dataset and select "Properties."
• Verify that the build status shows “not built”; a network dataset must be built after setup.
• Click on the Indexes tab and enable the service area index for faster service area creation.

Step 6: Configure Source Settings

• Go to the Source Settings section.
• Set the vertical connectivity using:
  • From node: f_zlb
  • To node: t_zlb

Step 7: Define Travel Attributes

• Navigate to the Travel Attributes section.
• Add a new travel mode:
  • Name it (default: Driving).
  • Set impedance to length.
• Add a cost for travel time:
  • Name it travel_time.
  • Set units to minutes.
  • Use the following Python field script:

    !ft_minutes!
    

• Add a cost for one-way streets:
  • Name it one_way.
  • Use the following Python function:

    def restricted(x):
        if x in ['n', 't', 'f']:  # Adjust based on your one-way values
            return True
        return False
    

Step 8: Configure Turn Costs and Restrictions

• Under Turn Costs, set turns to "Turn Category".
• Set delays for left turns and U-turns (e.g., 5 seconds).
• Add a new restriction for one-way streets to ensure proper navigation.

Step 9: Set Up Hierarchy

• Navigate to the Hierarchy tab.
• Add hierarchy settings using the following field script:

  !hierarchy!
  

Step 10: Build the Network Dataset

• Right-click on the driving network dataset and select "Build."
• Click "Run" to create the topological tables necessary for network analysis.

Step 11: Validate Network Connectivity

• To ensure the network functions correctly, use the Network Analyst tools.
• Add a route analysis layer and utilize the Explore Network tool.
• Check that each road segment connects to its adjacent segments as expected.

Conclusion

You have now created and validated a network dataset in ArcGIS Pro. This dataset can be used for various analyses, including routing and service area calculations. For further exploration, consider testing different travel modes or integrating additional data layers for more complex analyses.