Convert ArcMap UI tool control with VBA embedded to Python?

SuiHuang

Hi Experts:

    I am using ArcGIS 9.2 and I have a UI tool with VBA code underlying. This tool reads the map coordinate when I click on the map.
    Because VBA is going be decommissioned in some future version of ArcGIS, I am finding an alternative way to implement the UI tool. Is Python scripting an option to implement it?
    I currently don't know whether there is any method to hook the Python script with the map and the UI controlls in ArcMap. Can you give some suggestion?
    I want to avoid using ArcObjects extension written in .NET, because going that route will cause packaging and deployment process in my organization.
    Any opinion will be apprieciated.
    Thank you.

FreddieGibson

You could accomplish this by building a tool using the PythonAddins framework or the ArcObjects AddIns framework. I know that you stated you didn't want to use ArcObjects, but I feel that you'd probably prefer the AddIns framework over the COM component approach. Both the PythonAddins and ArcObjects AddIns routes will create a file which the user can install on their machine without any administrative privileges.

What is a Python add-in?

http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/desktop/latest/guide-books/python-addins/what-is-a-python-add-in.htm

Creating a Python add-in tool

http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/desktop/latest/guide-books/python-addins/creating-an-add-in-tool.htm

Building add-ins for ArcGIS for Desktop (ArcObjects)

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/arcobjects-net/conceptualhelp/#/Building_add_ins_for_ArcGIS_for_Desktop/0001000000w2000000/

Walkthrough: Building custom UI elements using add-ins

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/arcobjects-net/conceptualhelp/#/Walkthrough_Building_custom_UI_elements_using_add_ins/0001000001ms000000/