topic Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Thu, 13 May 2021 20:15:01 GMT

If I run Make Feature Layer as a tool, the new layer is added to my map. If I put the tool in a model and run the model ('Add to Display' is selected), The layer never appears.

If I open the model and run it, the layer is added to the map, but they are in an awkward group called 'ModelBuilder' and have a prefix I don't want them to have.

I would like to run the model as a tool and when I do that, nothing gets added to the map.

Is there something I can do to make the created layers visible?

Thank you,

Randy McGregor

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

JayantaPoddar — Thu, 13 May 2021 20:38:04 GMT

Please set the output as a Model Parameter as well.

As per Run a model

Note:
After the model tool runs successfully, only model outputs set as model parameters are added to the map.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 16:30:34 GMT

Excellent advice. I appreciate it. I have found it works maddeningly inconsistently, though. The model has an iterator, and I think that may introduce a wrinkle.

I want to create a selection layer for each value in a field. Once, the first value appeared then disappeared when the model was done. Another time, only the final value appeared, but it did stay.

I fear the iterator may introduce complications to this?

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

JayantaPoddar — Fri, 14 May 2021 16:53:42 GMT

Good to know. Could you also try using inline substitution for the output layer name?

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 16:58:43 GMT

Like this?

Doesn't work :(. I did remove the iterator and the one output layer was added, so I think I've hit a snag with the iterator. Thank you very much for your help here!

Randy McGregor

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:21:42 GMT

I added a 'Save to Layer File' tool and that does create a *.lyrx file for each unique value. The model will not add those into the map either, but it does create something I can see and work with after the model has run.

Loading feature layers created within a model or a script into the TOC has always been difficult. I have an old python script that does it and it's got a LOT of steps.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

JayantaPoddar — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:22:28 GMT

Don't rename the Value. Rename the output layer in Make Feature Layer tool.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:28:30 GMT

I appreciate your willingness to work through this. This is pretty much what I have been doing. I can get them to add to the TOC from within model in a 'ModelBuilder' group like you show here, when I open the model and run it, but not when run as a tool.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

JayantaPoddar — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:48:08 GMT

Just a query.

Split by Attribute tool also generates similar outputs that you are trying to achieve. Any particular reason why you are creating a model for this?

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 18:36:40 GMT

If I run the iterator first, so that it is 'stuck' on the final value it calculated and only processes that one, it will add the inputs to the map. If I reset the iterator so that it cycles through all the values, it will not add the layers to the map.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

JayantaPoddar — Fri, 14 May 2021 19:45:29 GMT

I believe it is by design, that a geoprocessing tool will not "add to display" when the multiple outputs are expected for a single variable. Split by Attributes GP tool is an example.

You could add a "Save to Layer File", save the layers inside a predefined workspace. Then Add the layers using Add Data option.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 20:09:54 GMT

I am trying to avoid creating separate feature classes. I might end up going with that tool if creating separate layers can't be done in a way that is useful.

Thank you!

Randy

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Fri, 14 May 2021 20:12:30 GMT

That is what I did, but I had to add the layers after. Is there an 'Add Data' tool? I haven't seen one. Thank you!

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

JayantaPoddar — Fri, 14 May 2021 20:46:55 GMT

Not a GP tool, but the one in the ribbon (Add Manually).

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Sat, 15 May 2021 00:22:07 GMT

Got it. Thank you very much.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

PhilipMarty — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:52:52 GMT

So, is this actually solved if there is no way to "Add Data" dynamically? Is the answer that "It is not possible to add the layers to the TOC when running the model as a GP tool"? I have a raster model that I would like to add the output of "Make Raster Layer" following an "Iterate Raster" function, and I cannot find a way to make it work. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:19:42 GMT

I view, 'Solved' as, 'The question has been answered.' I don't like calling it 'Solved,' but people who answer the question deserve credit.

The difficulty in adding layers to the TOC when using an iterator is a frustrating limitation of the software, I agree.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

PhilipMarty — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:47:46 GMT

I appreciate the explanation. I totally agree it's sort of a shocking limitation of the software that adding model outputs from the GP window or ArcPy doesn't work better. Is there any alternative workflow? I have a very basic iterate raster, apply symbology, add to map model that I'm trying to add to an ArcPy script, so just curious if there's anything out there before I go down re-creating from scratch in python.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 14:12:42 GMT

You can add layers via arcpy but it's more complicated than it seems like it should be. I don't have examples handy. I'll check and send you some if I find some. If you google 'Load layers into TOC with arcpy' you'll get some examples I think. Several steps are involved and it's a bit hairy.

Re: Make Feature Layer within a model does not add the layer

RandyMcGregor3 — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 14:05:29 GMT

'Layer' means many things in ArcGIS 🙂