Using Drawing Tools in Python

Question

I am trying to make a user friendly interface needing to capture an area of interest boundary to use in selecting layer records to be processed with Python.  I would like to imitate the interactive GUI capability of simply drawing a graphic rectangle on the map and use the "select by graphic" to select the layer records to process.  Is there a way to access these functions or is there a way to emulate this simple user interface in Python?

DavidGranata · Answer

Thank you Jake,

It would be so much easier if Python had access to the "Graphic Draw tools" and the "Select by Graphic" in the interactive user interface.

jskinner · Answer

I don't believe you can set the default tool for a script tool.  However, you can use a rectangle for the shape property of a python add-in tool.  Developing a python add-in will be a little more complex, but it will accomplish the user experience you are looking for.

DavidGranata · Answer

Hi Jake,

Thank you for providing information and education.

That is the point where I currently am at with my Script tool.  You have to define the schema to use which is the polygon editing.  The user interaction at this point is a polygon editing tool.  If you use the "rectangle" default the user interface is to make 3 clicks, not like the simple graphic rectangle draw click and drag a rectangle - very user friendly.

This is the meat of my inquiry.  A user needs a little education on how to "digitize" a rectangle.  The graphic rectangle is so intuitive and user friendly needing no education.  I would like to improve the user experience to make it as simple as the interactive graphic draw capability (if it were open to Python to use).