python(DeleteIdentical)

Question

# Name: DeleteIdentical_Example2.py # Description: Delete identical features in a dataset based on Shape (geometry) and a TEXT field. # Import system modules import arcpy arcpy.env.overwriteOutput = True # Set workspace environment arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data/sbfire.gdb" # Set input feature class in_dataset = "fireincidents" # Set the field upon which the identicals are found fields = ["Shape", "INTENSITY"] # Set the XY tolerance within which to identical records to be deleted xy_tol = "0.02 Miles" # Set the Z tolerance to default z_tol = "" # Execute Delete Identical arcpy.DeleteIdentical_management(in_dataset, fields, xy_tol, z_tol)‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ I just want to clarify which order it selects the objects to delete? Thanks in advance~~~~

bixb0012 · Answer

True, rolling your own is always an option, and maybe the only option here for the OP.

DavidPike · Answer

You could do this with a search cursor.

1. Create a dictionary of OID keys and values of [SHAPE@, Intensity, Field]

2.Iterate through each OID to find matching SHAPE@ and Intensity and append them to a list.

3.you should have a list of all OIDs classed as identical by position and Intensity.

Iterate through that list using the initial dictionary to find where field is N or Y

bixb0012 · Answer

Esri doesn't disclose their exact methodology. In all likelihood, ObjectID/FID is probably used to sort the data set so the lowest OID/FID will be kept and higher marked for deletion.  That said, I would not depend on that behavior since it isn't documented, even if it does appear to work that way.  The documentation does state that Find Identical—Data Management toolbox | Documentation uses the same methodology, whatever that may be, so you can use Find Identical to see what the results would be from running Delete Identical.