Routing and Direction Tools

ArcFM and ArcFM Viewer provide various methods for locating and navigating to specific addresses on the map. The Routing and direction tools require the existence of an associated address locator (.loc). Each address locator MUST have a unique name. Instructions for creating address locators using ArcCatalog are available in the ArcGIS for Desktop Help.

Access Database: The address locator must reside in the same directory as the database in which it is used or in the Application Data directory (C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Esri\Locators).

SDE Database: The address locator must be stored in the database. Locators stored locally are not supported for use with an SDE database.

IMPORTANT: If the map contains XY data, it must have the same spatial reference as the address locator. Use the Add XY Data window to specify a spatial reference. If the address locator and XY data have different spatial references, you will encounter errors using the ArcFM routing and direction tools.

The following image shows routing and direction tools:

ArcFM Address Tools Licensing

The Direction Search tool requires either StreetMap data or an Esri Network Analyst license. If you have a valid Esri Network Analyst license and want to use it, follow the instructions below.

From the Tools menu, select Extensions.
Select the checkbox next to Network Analyst.
Click Close.

If you're using StreetMap data, this extension may be enabled without causing an error. However, this would mean tying up a license that isn't actually being utilized.
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ArcFM Address Tools Toolbar

Use the ArcFM Address Tools toolbar to run the Address Search or Direction Search. This toolbar also provides tools to refresh the list of available locators and clear the map of graphics placed to display search results.

Address Search

Use the Address Search tool to locate a specific address or intersection on the map.

TIP: When you first open ArcFM Viewer and select one of the Address tools, their Locator fields may be empty. Click the Refresh button to refresh the list and populate it with valid Locators.

Click the Address Search tool.
Select an Address Locator from the list.

In order for this tool to work, an Address Locator must be associated with the database. Information for creating an Address Locator in ArcCatalog or in ArcToolbox is available in the ArcGIS for Desktop Help.
Enter the address information and click Find. The fields will vary depending upon how the Address Locator is created. The values entered in these fields may not exceed 254 characters.

The Address Search tool uses the criteria entered to locate the point on the map and mark it.

Direction Search

Use the Direction Search tool to create driving directions between two points. The Direction Search tool allows you to populate the address fields by entering them manually, clicking points on the map, or using GPS points gathered using a GPS feed.

The Direction Search tool may be used on StreetMap data or with a Network Dataset in a geodatabase. Steps for creating a Network Dataset in your geodatabase using ArcCatalog are available in the ArcGIS for Desktop Help. If you are using a Network Dataset, be sure to add the feature class containing the address information (e.g., StreetCenterline or Street) and the Network Dataset layers (along with any classes that participate in the network) to the map document.

Licensing: Using a Network Dataset requires a valid Network Analyst license from Esri. Select this license in the ArcGIS for Desktop Administrator. Ensure that the ArcGIS license you have checked out has a Network Analyst extension available.

Click the Direction Search tool. If this button is not available on the ArcFM Solution toolbar, add it.
If more than one address locator is available, select one from the list. Otherwise the dropdown list will not be visible and the tool will use the only available locator. In order for this tool to work, an Address Locator must be associated with the database. Information for creating an Address Locator in ArcCatalog is available in the ArcGIS for Desktop Help.

TIP: If you have selected a Locator that does not support reverse geocoding, the Direction Search button will remain disabled.
The Options window will vary depending upon the type of data (StreetMap or Network Dataset) and the selected Address Locator. The images below show the two types of Direction Search Options screens. Note the different field headings (StreetMap Route Solver Settings, Network Analyst Route Solver Settings).

The following image shows Direction Search Options for StreetMap data:

The following image shows Direction Search Options for Network Dataset data:
StreetMap Route Solver Settings: These settings include two cost estimate values: Length and Time. Length finds the shortest distance between two points. Time finds the quickest route between two points. The Preferences field allows you to determine the type of route: using mostly local roads or mostly highways. Move the slide cursor to indicate which you prefer and to what degree.
Network Analyst Route Solver Settings: These settings include only the Length cost estimate. This value finds the shortest distance between two points.
Enter the address information. The fields will vary depending upon how the Address Locator is created. The values entered in these fields may not exceed 254 characters. There are three methods for entering address information:
- Manually: Type in the Start and End addresses.
- Select Location: Use this button to click a location on the map. Select the button in the Start Address field to determine a beginning point, and select the button in the End Address field to specify an end point.
- GPS: When you click this button, the fields are populated with the current GPS coordinates. An open GPS connection must exist in order for this button to be enabled.
You may swap the Start and End addresses using the Switch button.
Click Find to display driving directions between the two locations as well as a map in a separate web browser (Figure 4). From this web browser, you may print the map and directions or save it to an HTML document. The path is also displayed on the map in ArcFM Viewer.
Click Clear to clear the fields on the Direction Search tab and the path displayed in the map.
If ArcFM is unable to find an address, this information is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the Direction Search window.

The following image shows Direction Search using StreetMap data:

The following image shows driving directions and map displayed in a separate web browser: