Spatial Relationship Criterion #6: Polylines Intersect Polylines

‘Polylines Intersect Polylines’ refers to a spatial relationship criterion where two or more polyline features from one layer, intersect two or more polyline features from another layer in a GIS environment. This criterion is used to identify places where different linear features, such as roads, pipelines, or utility lines, physically cross or share common points. In GIS analysis, this helps ensure that certain connectivity, overlap, or crossing relationships are correctly represented between layers, aiding in tasks like network analysis, infrastructure management, and spatial data validation. Our practical example involves working with a Detailed Urban Plan in a digital CAD format. This plan consists of multiple layers, including building lines, land parcels, existing streets, buildings, stormwater drainage, water supply systems, and more. Among these layers are underground power cables and underground telecommunication lines—both optical and copper. The telecommunication lines are categorized as either existing or planned. In this example, we’ll focus on determining if, and where, the planned telecommunication optical cable trench intersects with the existing underground electrical power cables. These power cables are buried for electricity transmission and distribution, making this analysis crucial. It's a high-risk task, as digging and trenching without proper knowledge of existing cables can be hazardous for field workers.