Create multipoint features

The Point tool Point creates multipoint features. Multipoint features store collections of point features with one set of attributes and can be used to represent lidar points or other groups of same-value points. These features are used instead of points to save storage space and improve read-write performance. When the data source is a multipoint feature, point features are automatically added to the multipoint feature until you finish the feature. This tool is available in the Mapview toolbar when Edit Mode is enabled.

Create multipoint features in a new layer

When you use this tool, consider the following:

To create a new memory multipoint feature class and add points, complete the following steps:

  1. On the Map tab, in the Features group, click Edit Create Features.
  2. On the Edit tab, in the New Features group, click New Multipoint Layer Multipoint Layer .

    A new layer named Multipoint is added to the map.

    Note:

    New feature layers are initially created in a memory workspace. Features and attributes can be quickly captured but must be saved to a local workspace before the project is closed. To save a memory workspace, right-click the new feature layer in Contents and select Save. The features are saved to the project default geodatabase. Alternatively, if the layer is not saved, you are prompted to save it before the project is closed. If you do not save the memory workspace when the project is closed, the information is deleted.

  3. Click the map to create the points with the Point tool Point.

    Each subsequent click on the map adds a point in the first feature.

    Alternatively, right-click, click Absolute X,Y,Z Move To and type the coordinate location.

  4. Double-click the map for the final point, or click Finish Finish, or press the F2 key to finish with the previous point.
  5. On the Mapview toolbar, click Save All Edits.

    Optionally, on the ribbon, in the Manage Edits group, click Save All Edits Save Edits.

    Alternatively, on the ribbon, in the Manage Edits group, click Save All Edits Save Edits.

  6. On the Edit tab, in the Close group, click Close Edit Mode Close.

    Optionally, continue editing until you're ready to close Editing mode.

    Alternatively, continue editing until you're ready to close Editing mode.

    Edit Mode is enabled and the Edit tab appears on the ribbon.

Create multipoint features in an existing layer

When you use this tool, consider the following:

To create multipoint features, complete the following steps:

  1. Add the data and configure the editing settings.

    Confirm that the feature layer you are editing is editable, the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing, and snapping is configured to help you work efficiently and accurately.

  2. On the Map tab, in the Features group, click Edit Create Features.
  3. In the Contents pane, select the multipoint layer you want to edit.
  4. Click the map to create the points with the Point tool Point.

    Each subsequent click on the map adds a point in the first feature.

    Alternatively, right-click and select Absolute X,Y,Z Move To and type the coordinate location.

  5. Double-click the map for the final point, or click Finish Finish, or press the F2 key to finish with the previous point.
  6. Repeat the previous steps to create the next multipoint feature.
  7. On the Mapview toolbar, click Save All Edits.

    Optionally, on the ribbon, in the Manage Edits group, click Save All Edits Save Edits.

    Alternatively, on the ribbon, in the Manage Edits group, click Save All Edits Save Edits.

  8. On the Edit tab, in the Close group, click Close Edit Mode Close.

    Optionally, continue editing until you're ready to close Editing mode.

    Alternatively, continue editing until you're ready to close Editing mode.

    Edit Mode is enabled and the Edit tab appears on the ribbon.