Smooth
Overview
The Smooth tool smooths feature geometry. It reduces sharp corners and jagged edges while preserving the main shape, making line features, such as rivers and roads, or polygon boundaries look more natural.
Use Cases
- Map production enhancement: smooth feature boundaries with obvious jagged edges to improve visual quality.
- Remote sensing classification post-processing: smooth stepped polygon boundaries formed by cells.
- Spatial model optimization: smooth and fit boundaries that have large sampling intervals or obvious bends.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Input features | The feature dataset to smooth. | It is recommended that you repair geometry before processing. |
| Smoothing tolerance | Offset tolerance that controls the smoothing strength. | Default: 0.01. |
| Smoothing algorithm | Interpolation method used for smoothing. | Options: moving_average, gaussian, bezier, exponential. |
| Output feature dataset | The output result after smoothing. | Supports common vector formats. |
Steps
- Start the tool: Open the Geoprocessing Toolbox, go to Vector Tools > Feature Processing > Trim, and open the Smooth tool pane.
- Set the input: Select Input features.
- Configure parameters: Select a Smoothing algorithm and set the Smoothing tolerance based on the data coordinate system.
- Configure the output: Set the output path and file name.
- Run the tool: Click Run and review the result.
Notes
- Different algorithms change geometry shapes in different ways. The
bezieralgorithm can create very smooth curves, but because it changes vertex characteristics, it may cause larger topology changes. - The smoothing tolerance uses the same units as the coordinate system. Use very small values for data in a geographic coordinate system.
- Compare results from different algorithms to choose the smoothing method that best meets your business requirements.