Geometric Network trace in ArcGIS: trace downstream with loops included

Question

I am looking for a way to make a “trace downstream” in a geometric network in ArcGIS where loops are included too. With the trace-operation “trace downstream”, the loops are not included. I know there is a trace-operation “find loops” but this returns all loops which are connected (therefore e.g. also the loops upstream the flag). I only want to receive the loops that are downstream my flag. The result should be a selection with the result of the trace downstream + just the loops which are downstream the flag. Would you know a way to achieve that in ArcGIS or would you know a good workaround?

Edit: manual removing selections is not possible in my case, an automated solution has to be found!

Edit2: an ArcGIS-only solution would be preferred.

Answer 1

RivEX can attribute your river network with loop ID's, see the help file here. You could then use your downstream trace to select polylines, as RivEX gives each loop family a unique ID you could simply summarize that and then re-select based upon your list of ID's.

So this is a partial automated solution, use RivEX to encode your network then use what ever you want to automate the rest.