topic Re: How do I remove layers with broken data sources? in Python Questions

How do I remove layers with broken data sources?

TedPrescott — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:54:40 GMT

I need to scroll through an mxd and remove any layers that have broken data sources.

I have found

brknList = arcpy.mapping.ListBrokenDataSources(inMXD)

and

for lyr in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "*",df):

arcpy.mapping.RemoveLayer(df, lyr)

both work well, but not together.

Any suggestions?

Re: How do I remove layers with broken data sources?

IanMurray — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:07:22 GMT

arcpy Layer objects have a isBroken property you can check if is true or not. If it is true, then have your script remove the layer, instead of all layers

try this:

for layer in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "*", df):
    if layer.isBroken:
        arcpy.mapping.RemoveLayer(df, layer)

Re: How do I remove layers with broken data sources?

TedPrescott — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:58:46 GMT

It works GREAT !!!

Your few lines of code just saved me from several days of frustration.

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Ted

Re: How do I remove layers with broken data sources?

IanMurray — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:43:11 GMT

You are quite welcome. Just out of curiousity, why are you needing to delete so many layers from so many map?

Re: How do I remove layers with broken data sources?

TedPrescott — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:47:58 GMT

We have 15 years of legacy mxds and most have data sources long gone.

This way, I can log the broken data sources, remove them and then allow the end users to replace the data as needed.

Otherwise, it takes a VERY LONG TIME to open the mxds w/ all the broken data.

Re: How do I remove layers with broken data sources?

IanMurray — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:50:00 GMT

Yea that would be quite a pain to do manually.

If you don't mind can you mark this question answered, will make it easier for people to find in the future if they have a similar issue.