topic Re: Question about creating a variable from an expression parameter in Model Builder in Geoprocessing Questions

Question about creating a variable from an expression parameter in Model Builder

SummerChandler — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:45:24 GMT

I am trying to create a simple model to automate a repetitive task for exporting some points as a shapefile. Essentially, the idea is to select several route segments based on an attribute containing the name of the route using the Select Layer by Attribute tool, then to select points within a certain distance of the previously selected routes and export them as a shapefile. I have it working when I plug in some example data, but I am finding it harder than I expected to prompt the user to input the name of the route to start the initial selection. The query I am using is:

Line_Name = 'Route Name'

I am hoping to set it up so that the users only have to enter 'Route Name' without having to choose the Line_Name field first.

Can this be done in Model Builder? Would Python be a better choice?

Re: Question about creating a variable from an expression parameter in Model Builder

KevinHibma — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:48:41 GMT

For sure this can be done with inline variables.

High level help:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//002w0000001t000000
Inline vars in Modelbuilder:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Examples_of_inline_model_variable_substitution/002w0000005w000000/

Example 3 from the above topic pretty much does exactly what you want.
Create a variable, then use the inline variable in your select statement.

Re: Question about creating a variable from an expression parameter in Model Builder

SummerChandler — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:43:28 GMT

Exactly what I needed. Thank you!