topic Using AML in ArcGIS in Deutsche GIS Anwender Questions

Using AML in ArcGIS

GEORGIOSARSENIOU — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 02:48:30 GMT

Hello,

I want to use in ArcGIS a point cloud classification tool that is called Multiscale Curvature Algorithm. The script of the tool that I downloaded from ESRI is in .aml format. I downloaded the aml file in my workstation and then I created the tool in ArcGIS specifying all the parameters. The problem is that when I run the tool then I receive a message that asks me with which software I want to open the .aml file and finally the tool does not work. This message seems weird to me. Has anybody any suggestion so that I overcome this problem? I have also checked the aml executable under the ArcGIS folder.

Thank you in advance

George Arseniou

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

ChrisDonohue__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 04:14:59 GMT

AML Code was designed to work with ArcInfo Workstation. Note that this is not the same as ArcGIS. However, there are some options to use it with ArcGIS, but you will need to set it up:

This topic applies to ArcInfo only.

It's possible to use ARC Macro Language (AML) files in the ArcGIS Desktop environment by creating a new geoprocessing script tool. If you have an ArcInfo license and ArcInfo Workstation installed, you can add a custom script tool that references an AML.

There is an initial step that must be completed before an AML file can be set up as a script tool. The system must be able to open ArcInfo Workstation and run the &run command, such as arc: &run MyAml.aml. ESRI provides a tool for updating the system registry. After the system registry has been updated, add a new script tool using the Add Script Tool dialog wizard. The script tool can be used like any other geoprocessing tool.

Using AML with Script Tools

ArcGIS Desktop

Also, here is an older post that provides more info:

Run aml script from Toolbox

Chris Donohue, GISP

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

GEORGIOSARSENIOU — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 13:02:09 GMT

Dear Mr. Chris Donohue,

Thank you very much for your response which is really helpful for me. I work at University as Master student therefore I have installed both the licenses of ArcInfo and ArcInfo Workstation. I have also tried the initial step that you have also mentioned but I did not create any script tool that references an AML. Could you please give me some more information on how to create this script tool? Because I have no experience on AML.

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

ChrisDonohue__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:39:59 GMT

Here's the process. Look at the overview and then the specfic links.

A quick tour of creating script tools

ArcGIS Desktop

Then look at this for the specifics on using AML's

ArcGIS Desktop

Chris Donohue, GISP

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:53:58 GMT

Is there a requirement that you run it in a ArcGIS Desktop tool? If not, since you have Workstation (WS) installed, open a WS window. Use "w path" to change to the location of your .aml file and run it there.

As you can see in the graphic, you can include arguments inline....or you could edit the .aml (it is just a text file) and hard code them (is this is a one time run). If you copy the .aml to the same folder as you data, you can eliminate having to use full paths.

AML is a pretty straight forward language, and arcpy was the first good replacement, in my opinion, since it can directly use many of the Arc tools (syntax may be different in ArcGIS). There is a chance that you can open up the AML and see what the equivalent arcpy tools that are needed.

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

JoeBorgione — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:04:03 GMT

Holy smokes; I haven't seen an Arc prompt or &Run in ages...

Vince Angelo

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

ChrisDonohue__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:13:19 GMT

IKR - back in the day when GIS was almost an abstract thing in that you usually couldn't see your data and how it was getting modified until the end of a series of processes.

Then ArcView came out and suddenly you could easily look at your data and see the effects of processes as you worked on it. Though then again that ushered in shapefiles, for good and bad....

Chris Donohue, GISP

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:35:55 GMT

I'm working on getting my last AMLs converted, before they really don't work, but I only use them every couple years, and they still nicer in many ways.

Although, I don't miss having to write ArcPlot commands for every map/plot. Even ArcView 1.0 was a great improvement on that.

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

ChrisDonohue__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 19:48:54 GMT

Just curious - are there suitable replacements for all AML code/processes? Looks like ArcInfo Workstation is in its final version and will be retired at the end of this year:

http://downloads.esri.com/support/product%20life%20cycle/gis_tools/ArcInfoWorkstation_PLC.pdf

Chris Donohue, GISP

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

GEORGIOSARSENIOU — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 20:16:45 GMT

So if I want to use an aml then I must create a scripting tool so that ArcGIS is able to read it?

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 20:32:16 GMT

Workstation won't just stop working, it's just retired and might not work with the next license manager release (but you never know). Although the "final version" for download is labelled 10.0, I don't know if any changes have been made to it since about the Desktop 7.x/8.x version.

Best thing to do to keep the programs running long term is to convert them to Python (arcpy). These pages will help in command comparison/conversion.

Python equivalents to AML directives—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Python equivalents to AML functions—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

A few things may still not have a substitute....and I guess if "we" come across these we should put in something on the ideas page to get them transferred to the newer platform.

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

VinceAngelo — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:02:30 GMT

I tried to write an AML the other day to whip up an arc-node topology graphic, and discovered that I'd need to create my own 10.0 license server (which I haven't done in years). Cue the Dylan -- "...For the times they are a-changin'."

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:59:37 GMT

Mine works fine with the 10.3/latest license manger. I even have it running on a Wi 10 machine.

Long Live ArcINFO Workstation!

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

VinceAngelo — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:52:35 GMT

Most employees use single-use licenses, but Workstation requires a floating-seat, for which a central license manager was configured. Getting a new local license isn't an issue, but the lack of a shared server indicates where things are heading.

- V

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:57:55 GMT

Ahh. That makes sense. And, although I didn't mean hijack this thread, one more question. Do you know if ArcGIS for Home use is only single-user, i.e. can not be a floating-seat at all? I'm assuming that is the case (for my future reference only).

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

VinceAngelo — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 17:25:05 GMT

To the best of my knowledge, it's the same ArcGIS product; the "for Home" really refers to licensing protocol. It violates the point of being untethered from the office, but if you've got VPN access to the work license server, I don't see why it wouldn't see it.

- V

Re: Using AML in ArcGIS

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 17:31:55 GMT

Thanks for the info Vince. The "home-use" license is once I leave my current position and no longer have access to the office license thru VPN. At that point I'll get home-use and EDN to keep playing. But I hadn't thought about the single-use vs floating and the loss of AI Workstation access. May make me decide to buy a full floating license, but cost is a bit stiff just for "play".

That's just a comment, and I know I need to just read up on the licensing info once I get to that point....things do change....but I still like AI-WS.