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I often have to edit the edges of polygons to match or be cut by the edges of other polygons with complex shapes. This sometimes leaves disconnected slivers.

Is there a simpler/faster way to remove these slivers (for example, like the "Eraser" tool in Paint)?

Currently, I make a graphic that contains the part I would like to erase, convert it to feature, and use "Clip" from the Edit menu to discard the area that intersects. Then I have to delete the feature layer that I just created for the sole purpose of erasing the sliver. This works, but is a lot of steps when you have to do it often.

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To remove gaps and overlaps you should use the Topology tool. The Topology tool helps validate your data based on different rules you choose appropriate. One of the many rules available in that tool is: (features) "Must not Overlap". The tool has an "Error Fix" button that let you zoom to the error (in your case, an overlap) and let you choose what to do - merge the overlap to polygon A or B? delete overlap? Ignore overlap (for false positives).

You should go to ESRI help: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.5/manage-data/topologies/an-overview-of-topology-in-arcgis.htm

Just FYI - your feature class/shapefile will need to be exported into a GDB and be contained inside a Feature Dataset to be able to run the topology analysis.

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  • Thank you for your comment! Topology is something that I still have to learn, so I will look up this topic. It seems that this should help. Commented Mar 6, 2020 at 14:43
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If I understand correctly, you are trying to remove overlap between polygons. I would suggest looking at the ERASE and CLIP tools. If you are talking about slivers (gaps) between polygons, you can use the align to edge tool on the editor toolbar, as well as the snap tool. If you can provide screenshots of your workflow and examples of your issue I may be able to offer more in depth assistance!

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    That's right - sometimes there are overlaps, and sometimes the polygon edges do not touch each other, so there are gaps. I have used the "align to edge" tool before, to fix these instances after the fact. I have not tried the "snap" tool, and will look into it! Thank you for the suggestions. Commented Mar 6, 2020 at 14:46
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Import your shapefile into mapshaper (google it). click on the console button then in the console type -clean this will close any gaps and give you the stats on how those gaps have been closed. Then you can export your shapefile and use as required in whatever app you choose.

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  • Are you associated with Mapshaper? Please avoid duplicate answers: gis.stackexchange.com/a/359576/8104 Commented Apr 25, 2020 at 22:21
  • no I'm not, I just discovered it and it works great. Commented Apr 26, 2020 at 14:17

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