topic Re: Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python in Python Questions

Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python

ThomasL — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 12:25:19 GMT

I have an empty point feature class in a file geodatabase. I also need an exact copy of this in a line and polygon feature class type (in the same file geodatabase).

I am unable to identify any tools or arcpy workflows that allow me to change an existing empty feature class type.

An export to shapefile will remove all the subtypes and long field names and field alias.

I use ArcGIS Pro 2.2 - Advanced license level.

My hope was a python code with the following flow:

- Create a copy of the existing point feature class in the same file geodatabase

- Changing feature class type to line/polygon

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python

JoeBorgione — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 13:24:08 GMT

I also need an exact copy of this in a line and polygon feature class type (in the same file geodatabase).

Do you mean you need a line and polygon feature class of the same schema/attributes and spatial coordinate system as the point feature class?

Create Feature Class—Help | ArcGIS Desktop

Use your point feature class as the 'template'

Re: Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python

ThomasL — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 06:41:53 GMT

Thanks Joe Borgione‌.

The "Create Feature Class Tool" unfortunately dose not transfer the subtypes to the new feature class.

Any idea how to include the subtypes too?

Re: Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python

JoeBorgione — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:26:24 GMT

Sorry, I don't. I did a google search and nothing of value was returned...

Re: Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python

JamesMacKay3 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:26:41 GMT

It seems kind of hacky, but one approach might be to do this:

- Export the feature class to an XML workspace document (schema only)

- Use Python to modify the XML file, specifically the geometry type and feature class name

- Import the XML workspace document

That should maintain all of the subtypes and such.

Re: Changing feature class type of existing feature class using python

JoeBorgione — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:55:31 GMT

That sounds good to me: certainly worth a look. Thomas; how many feature classes are you talking about? Is this something you need to do often over time?