The Merge tool allows two connected datum network elements-either datum or Linear Groups - (i.e. ones that share a common Node Point) to be merged into a single new element.

The order of the elements being merged (which is first and which is second) is determined automatically by the system using the element's connectivity. This can be expressed as follows: 'The first element is connected by its end node to the start node of the second element.'

First, start spatial editing by clicking the Edit Datum button.

Select the datums to be merged by clicking the first datum, then while holding the Ctrl key, click the second datum.

Click the Merge button . The Merge dialog opens. Enter the relevant data and settings, then click Merge.

• Swap: When merging two elements, the elements being merged are end-dated (closed) and a new single element created. The new element maintains the standard attributes of the Datum 1 element. If you want the new element to maintain the attributes of the Datum 2 element click the Swap button
• Effective Date: The default value is today's date. You can click the calendar button on the right to display the popup calendar and select an alternative date.
• Merge at Node: Displays the shared node for the elements to be merged. If the elements are connected at two nodes (as in the case of roundabouts and circles), this list will display both of the node ids. Select the node you want to base the merge on from this list.
• Maintain History: Setting this switch to Yes will automatically rescale all parent groups the datum is a member of. You can set this to rescale the datum network elements and all linear groups that traverse them. This is set to Off by default because maintaining history /rescale can take time and you may want to carry out other edits before taking this action.