ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool

GeorgeNewbury — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:23:32 GMT

Thought I'd share my experience with topic.

I'm reading a CSV file, making a feature layer from it, and performing transformations on the geometry. In the end I'm updating the feature class's fields with the geometry, e.g. Point.X, .Y, and .Z going into 'Easting', 'Northing', and 'Altitude' fields. At first I used the 'Calculate Field' tool for each field. Of course to do this I had to use the tool three times, one for each field. Next I tried using one update cursor and thus doing all three updates in one loop through the feature class. I found it shaved off 3-4 seconds.

If you need to go through and calculate multiple fields then you may want to consider using the Update Cursor instead of the 'Calculate Field' tool. It could save you a lot of time.

Re: ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool

DavidWasserman — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:06:38 GMT

I actually logged on to look for someone who did this. Thanks.

Re: ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool

SepheFox — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:07:03 GMT

Thanks for sharing your tip, George!

topic Re: ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool in Geoprocessing Questions

ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool

Re: ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool

Re: ArcPy Update Cursor vs. Calculate Field Geoprocessing Tool