topic Re: layer.datasetName returns the layer name instead of the dataset name in Python Questions

layer.datasetName returns the layer name instead of the dataset name

JasonMiller — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:43:05 GMT

Using ArcEditor 10.0 sp5 (Evaluation version)

(See attached picture for code and results...)

When running some python code to get the dataset name for a layer in ArcMap, the layer.datasetName property returns the name of the layer instead of the dataset name. I don't think the python code gets much simpler, am I just being simple-minded?

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JMiller

Re: layer.datasetName returns the layer name instead of the dataset name

JakeSkinner — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:37:49 GMT

Hi Jason,

Your code is returning the correct results. Take a look at the 'datasetName' property explanation here.

Returns the name of the layer's dataset the way it appears in the workspace, not in the TOC.

The 'name' property differs:

Provides the ability to set or get the name of a layer the way it would appear in the ArcMap table of contents.

So, if you were to change the name of the layer in the table of contents, you can still find the original feature class/shapefile name by using the 'datasetName' property.

Re: layer.datasetName returns the layer name instead of the dataset name

JasonMiller — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:06:52 GMT

So in this case the "Dataset Name" is actually referring to the "FeatureClass name", and not the "Feature Dataset" to which it belongs... Thanks ESRI for making that clear as mud... here's an idea, make a property called layer.featureclassName instead...

Thanks for the response JSkinn3, I had read the info in the link you provided but still had in my mind that "Dataset" was referring to "Feature Dataset"... A better and more thorough explanation of the terms (as well as how to update the "Feature Dataset" name) can be found here... http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Updating_and_fixing_data_sources_with_arcpy_mapping/00s30000004p000000/