This command can help you design for a minimum distance between an alignment centerline and the right-of-way, for example. The blue lines in the following illustration show the minimum distance found.
This command calculates the 2D distance between entities. Elevations are not considered in the calculations.
If the selected entities cross or are collinear, the distance is displayed as zero. If the selected entities are parallel, the first “shortest distance” point is identified, which is the point nearest the start points of both entities, as shown in the following illustration.
Minimum distance line inserted between parallel lines
This command can be used with the following types of entities:
- Point (COGO, Survey, or AutoCAD)
- Line
- Arc
- Circle
- Polyline (lightweight, 2D, or 3D)
- Feature line (can be embedded in a corridor)
- Survey figure
- Alignment
- Parcel segment
To identify the shortest distance between entities
-
Click
Find.
- Select the first entity in the drawing, and then select the second entity.
The minimum distance is displayed at the command line, along with the X,Y locations on the two entities where this minimum distance was calculated.
The following prompt is displayed: Draw shortest distance line? [Yes/No] <Yes>:
- Enter Yes to draw a line to mark this location, using the current layer and linetype. The line is persistent and remains in the drawing after you save it.