how to make route between two layers points in arcmap 10.8

Creating a route between two point layers in ArcMap 10.8 involves a few key steps. You will generally need a road network dataset to calculate the route. Here are the steps you can follow: ### Step 1: Prepare Your Data 1. **Load Your Data**: Open ArcMap and add the point layers from which you want to create routes. These could be two separate point shapefiles or feature classes in a geodatabase. 2. **Ensure You Have a Network Dataset**: If you're routing along streets, make sure you have a network dataset available. This will typically come from local government data, or you might create one from your street centerlines. ### Step 2: Create a Route 1. **Open the Network Analyst Toolbar**: If it's not already visible, enable it by going to `Customize` > `Toolbars` > `Network Analyst`. 2. **New Route Layer**: - Click on the `Network Analyst` dropdown in the toolbar and select `New Route`. - This adds a new Route layer to your table of contents. 3. **Add Locations**: - Open the `Route` layer's attributes by right-clicking on it and selecting `Directions` or in the `Network Analyst` window, select the `Stops` layer (it is usually under `Route`). - Right-click the `Stops` layer and choose `Add Location`. - Click on the map to add your start point (from the first point layer) and your destination point (from the second point layer). You can also input coordinates if necessary. ### Step 3: Solve the Route 1. Click on the `Solve` button in the Network Analyst toolbar. 2. The routing algorithm will calculate the best route between the specified points along the road network. ### Step 4: Review and Analyze Results 1. After solving the route, you should see it displayed in your map. 2. Open the attribute table for the Route layer to see the route details, including directions, distances, and other relevant information. ### Step 5: Export the Results (Optional) 1. If you wish to export the resulting route as a shapefile or a feature class, right-click on the Route layer in the Table of Contents, select `Data`, and then `Export Data`. 2. Follow the prompts to define where you want the new layer to be saved. ### Troubleshooting - Ensure that your network dataset is properly configured and that the road data is connected. - Check for any errors after solving the route in the log messages that may provide insight into issues with your setup. - Make sure the Coordinate System of your layers is the same. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully create a route between two layers of points in ArcMap 10.8.