topic Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6? in ArcGIS API for Python Questions

How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

Anonymous User — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 14:45:57 GMT

import arcpy

Does not work in 3.6 python. I really need to get it to work or it's new version. Very new to Python.

It's odd, when I look at installed programs, it says I have 3.6 python. Running Python in a command window says it's 3.6.

However, when I open IDLE, it says it's using Python 2.7.8.

Bit out of my element. I'm a VB/JScript programmer.

Thanks

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

DanPatterson_Retired — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:17:28 GMT

You have to use the python distribution that comes with ArcMap (2.7.x) or ArcGIS Pro (3.5.x).

You can spend a whole load of time trying to patch a solution which is fine if you have more time than needs. The differences between 3.5.x and 3.6 or 3.7 won't manifest themselves as important for ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.

Pro installs an Anaconda distribution which has been tailored to esri specifications.

I keep a separate Anaconda distribution (installed separately) for pure python work for 3.6/3.7 and associated models.

I would recommend you uninstall all versions of python, then install arcmap and ArcGIS pro... they will handle everything. You can then setup your favourite IDE to use either, but Spyder is sweet for working with Pro

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

Anonymous User — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 18:02:26 GMT

I've ArcMap 10.3 and pro installed. The python version is 3.6, as per 'Windows Programs and Features'

I'm a bit befuddled that if I just start a windows command window, launch python (says it's 3.6) and key in import arcpy, I get an error- ModuleNotFoundError: No module name 'arcpy'.

But if I launch IDLE, it says it's working in python 2.7. And import arcpy works just fine.

You think reinstalling ArcMap and ArcPro will help? That's kindof a pain.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

DanPatterson_Retired — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 18:51:06 GMT

because IDLE is arcmap's default, since it is installed in the proper path.

I would upgrade ArcMap to 10.5.1 and install ArcPro 2.0 if you have an adequate machine and the ability to do so

Pro http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/arcgis-pro-system-requirements.htm

ArcMap http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/get-started/setup/arcgis-desktop-system-requirements.htm

Then see my blog for several links on how to get Spyder as your ide... or you can use conda or pip to install others (and there are other links for others elsewhere)

PS a clean install will entail removing all remnants of an esri or arcmap folder in your system after the install

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

JoshuaBixby — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:02:22 GMT

What is driving your Python 3.6 requirement? The only way to run ArcPy safely with Python 3.x is by installing ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Pro is currently bundled with Python 3.5. If you absolutely have to run Python 3.6, you won't be running a supported platform, even if you can get it working.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

Anonymous User — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:42:18 GMT

Aha. I do have Arcpro installed (10.4.7), going to the install directory for python for ArcPro, and just running it in command line I can import the two modules I need. It's Python 3.5.3.

This will work. I assume I can launch python from within ArcPro?

I'll be gone for two days, but will keep an eye on this.

Thanks

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

Anonymous User — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 20:55:58 GMT

Well, I thought it would work. Both

import arcpy

from arcgis.gis import GIS

seem to work in python 3.5.3

At least the import command does not fail.

However the command
gis = GIS("http://summitcountyco.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html", "UserName", "Password")

Throws a 404 error. It does work however in python 3.6.

But import arcpy does not work in 3.6. "Can't find the module."

Am I gonna have to use two different versions of python? Odd that arcpy does not work, I thought it was one of the most basic modules.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

DanPatterson_Retired — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 21:40:51 GMT

I suspect that the previous installation is still lurking around. As advised, it is best to remove previous installations of python and get a clean install of python and related modules. If you want to use an IDE, then IPython and Spyder can be used... my blog post gives one example of setting up those IDEs so they can work as standalone applications and/or in conjunction with Pro

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

Anonymous User — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 02:39:17 GMT

I have similar problems. After installed arcgis pro, got an error of ''unable to import arcpy'' but it was working okay before. The problem was solved after re-install arcmap.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

HaroldKrivell — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:13:36 GMT

Try typing the following...

import arcpy.mp

Python 3.x has changed the naming somewhat.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

JoshuaBixby — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:26:02 GMT

Although arcpy.mapping became arcpy.mp with ArcGIS Pro/Python 3; the base package name is still arcpy, so if someone can't import arcpy they won't be able to import arcpy.mp.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

jarm23 — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 20:22:43 GMT

@Anonymous User Did you re-install arcmap, or arcgis pro? I have ArcMap 10.7, which I believe comes with Python 2.7. I also have ArcGIS Pro 10.2.5.1 which comes with Python 3.6. I can import arcpy if I am configured to Python 2.7, but not if I am configured to 3.6.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

Anonymous User — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 06:06:07 GMT

I only re-installed arcmap and then it works.

Re: How can I get the arcpy module to load in python 3.6?

HenryLindemann — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 06:28:13 GMT

Hi Doug,

Python 2.7 is installed with ArcMap and Python 3.x is installed with ArcGIS Pro, because arcpy is proprietary you can't download it into a free standing installations of python you have to point to one of the deployments that is installed when installing ArcGIS for Desktop.

so just point your IDE to one of these deployments

ArcMap

"C:\Python27\ArcGIS10.8\python.exe"

ArcGIS Pro

"C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Pro\bin\Python\envs\arcgispro-py3\python.exe"

You can have a look at the ArcGIS API which is a available for installation e.g. pip install ArcGIS to see if this might fill your need.

ArcGIS API for Python | ArcGIS for Developers

If you are using ArcGIS Desktop built in Python interpreter then just reinstall to try and fix the issue like @Anonymous User mentioned.