topic Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python in Python Questions

Sorting attribute tables by Python

CemAkkus2 — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 22:51:59 GMT

Hello there!

In new ArcGIS version, sorting is now limited to 1 field. I don't have an advanced license and I need to sort my attribute table based on 2 fields. I was wondering if there is a python script for 2 field sort.

Thanks!

Cem

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

DanPatterson_Retired — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 23:09:55 GMT

Sorting records in a table by multiple fields—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop this doesn't work? And of course sorts aren't permanent in any event

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

WesMiller — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:04:11 GMT

You could also use Sort—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop if you desire to create a copy of the table that is sorted by multiple fields.

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

CemAkkus2 — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 23:18:42 GMT

Thanks for the reply Dan,

I forgot to mention that I need to sort the table permanently. The method you mention is a temporary sort so it does not change the table's original order.

Best,
Cem

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

CemAkkus2 — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 23:23:15 GMT

Thanks for the reply Wes,

I found that page after I posted. However, there is still a problem with "Python Window" version. I get this warning:

Runtime error Traceback (most recent call last): File "<string>", line 6, in <module> File "c:\program files (x86)\arcgis\desktop10.3\arcpy\arcpy\management.py", line 4351, in Sort raise e ExecuteError: ERROR 000824: The tool is not licensed.

>>>

It seems ArcGIS requires Advanced License for advance permanent sorting in ArcGIS environment. However, I tested stand-alone Python script version and finally that one worked well.

Best,

Cem

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

WesMiller — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 15:38:13 GMT

Yes to sort by shape or multiple fields requires an Advanced license see below.

License:

For the Field(s) parameter, sorting by the Shape field or by multiple fields is only available with anAdvanced license. Sorting by any single attribute field (excluding Shape) is available at all license levels.

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

DanPatterson_Retired — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:57:05 GMT

ahhhh, but then there is numpy

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

WesMiller — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:59:52 GMT

I'm waiting for you to open the group

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

CemAkkus2 — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 23:14:52 GMT

However, advanced sort still doable with stand-alone python script without advanced license.. which is good

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

WesMiller — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 15:50:14 GMT

Just so you are aware. It is likely that you have a license manager and an Advanced license is available when you run your python script. I am unable to locate the documentation to support this,but I've read that arcpy gets the highest license available unless you explicitly set the license.

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

XanderBakker — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:04:19 GMT

Documentation will not state it, since the behavior is a bug (still present in 10.3.1), but arcpy will claim the highest license available by default and ignore the import arcview and import arceditor statements is Advanced is available.

See a discussion on this topic here: import arceditor does not set proper license level .

Re: Sorting attribute tables by Python

WesMiller — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:25:57 GMT

Thanks Xander Bakker