topic Re: If data exists does not work in ArcMap Questions

If data exists does not work

StanislavaV — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 22:23:24 GMT

HI!

I have large model made in ModelBuilder in ArcMap. First step is to create GDB where all of the outputs are saved. I need to the final output save in another output location. So I add "if data exists" this final output and I connect Yes (like precondition) with Delete that GDB. But it does not work.

When I run just Delete GDB - it works, but with those "if..." not.

What is the problem?

I know about scratch workspaces or in memory, but I need it this way in case it crash..

Re: If data exists does not work

curtvprice — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 23:09:22 GMT

You can't delete objects that have been validated in ModelBuilder because there are file locks in play.

Have you tried using scratchGDB instead of in_memory? That way if you have a crash the scratch data will still be there after the model fails.

Re: If data exists does not work

StanislavaV — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 23:59:18 GMT

I can´t figure it out. So I set the output location everywhere like C://User/username/Documents/scratch.gdb/base_name? Or C://User/username/Documents/%scratchGDB%/base_name? And then it should work?

Re: If data exists does not work

curtvprice — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 02:49:20 GMT

The model variable %scratchGDB% or %scratchFolder% will be replaced with a current writable location, normally a GDB or folder named scratch in the current project folder. For details, see the help for these environment variables.

Re: If data exists does not work

StanislavaV — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 13:46:28 GMT

didn´t work either. i don´t understand why is that when it is connected like "if data exists" in model, it won´t delete. but when i run model just for deleting, it works. i wanted to make it like "after model finish, than delete gdb"

Re: If data exists does not work

curtvprice — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 14:07:31 GMT

The issue is file locking. When you create or access data in your gdb, layers are created in memory that are pointing to your data and create a file lock that prevents deleting. Are you deleting all the layers and data before trying to delete the workspace? Even if you do that it can be challenging.

Re: If data exists does not work

JoshuaBixby — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 15:40:17 GMT

If you simply want to delete the file geodatabase if it exists, using Exists is unnecessary because Delete returns success whether the file geodatabase exists or not. Delete will return a warning if the geodatabase does not exist, but it returns "success" whether the GDB exists or not.

Re: If data exists does not work

StanislavaV — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 16:37:03 GMT

yes I know, but that model is based on:

when output of copy features "ID" is created and saved in another gdb (not Ka.gdb), after then it can delete Ka.gdb. that is why i include that "if exist"

Re: If data exists does not work

StanislavaV — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 17:33:49 GMT

yes i tried it. nothing again. i am thinking maybe about creating submodel? or i will give up and create another model just for "cleaning up" 🙂

Re: If data exists does not work

JoshuaBixby — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 14:44:56 GMT

Ah, OK, I thought you were checking for the existence of the GDB you were deleting and not another GDB.