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Using a text file to set label expression in ArcPy

WesleyAskew

I am currently using the lyr.labelClasses[0].expression property to label features in ArcMap from a Python script. I am wondering if it is possible to set this expression property from a string stored in a text document. If so, what would be the best way of going about this? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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WesleyAskew

I took your advice and went with the IronPython method. I was able to install and reference in Visual Studio with no problem. However, when I run the add-in within ArcMap, I get an error message stating that the ArcPy module does not exist. Will I need to provide a reference to ArcPy in Visual Studio as well? I figured that since the add-in is executed in ArcMap it will use the ArcMap console to run the ArcPy script.

WesleyAskew

Thanks, this is very helpful. I think that I am going to give the IronPython method as shot as it appears that it will do exactly what I am looking for. I will let you know how it goes...

PaulCrickard1

Could work, but you have to write to text file first.

maybe you could just call the python code from .NET and pass the string as a command line argument.

Or use IronPython and combine .NET and Python in .NET or cimpile your .NET to DLL and call from python.

IronPython.net /

A short post I did on it

Python in C# Using IronPython | Architecture and Planning

WesleyAskew

Thanks for your response. Although this could potentially work, the issue is that I already have a .Net ArcObjects add-in which generates a fairly complex string based on numerous variables. I need to use Python to drive the labeling and I want to pass this entire .Net generated string to the Python script. Do you think that the method that you indicate will be suitable for this purpose?

PaulCrickard1

ConfigParser

Here is a simple usage:

Create the file label.ini with contents:

[label1]

name: Paul

[label2]

color: Red

you can use it like this:

>>> import ConfigParser

>>> config=ConfigParser.ConfigParser()

>>> config.read("C:\\Users\\me\\Desktop\label.ini")

['C:\\Users\\me\\Desktop\\label.ini']

>>> config.sections()

['label1', 'label2']

>>> name = config.get("label1","name")

>>> name

'Paul'

>>> color=config.get("label2","color")

>>> color

'Red'

>>>

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