Example of geometry token syntax?

Question

Hello,

I'm trying to find the area of various polygons in a shapefile using a script cursor. I assume I use "SHAPE@AREA" according to this: Reading geometries—ArcPy Get Started | ArcGIS Desktop

However, I also want to specify the units (acres). Right now, I get a lot of numbers that don't seem to make much sense. It looks like I need the getArea method to specify the units: Polygon—ArcPy classes | ArcGIS Desktop

Basically, I'm wondering, how does the getArea method work? Are there examples of the syntax?

Many thanks!

JoshuaBixby · Answer

Calculate Field—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS Desktop  can take care of this for you, e.g..:  !shape.area@ACRES!

Python expressions can use the geometry area and length properties with an areal or linear unit to convert the value to a different unit of measure (for example, !shape.length@kilometers!). If the data is stored in a geographic coordinate system and a linear unit is supplied (for example, miles), the length will be calculated using a geodesic algorithm. Using areal units on geographic data will yield questionable results as decimal degrees are not consistent across the globe.

DanPatterson_Retired · Answer

The aforementioned tool produces a new field which you can provide a name for and get the units your want if you specify the parameters you need

JonahLay1 · Answer

Thank you Dan! Is there anyway I can add the areas to a new field? I would like to customize the field name and populate it with the areas.