topic Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer? in Python Questions

Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

GeoDev — Wed, 05 May 2021 18:52:53 GMT

I'm trying to write a python script to 'Merge' or 'Append Annotation Feature Classes' a point layer (points in middle of each parcel) and an existing annotation layer; however, both of these tools require each layer to be an annotation layer. I cannot find a way to convert an existing point feature class to an annotation feature class so I can carry out this merge. Is this possible?

Re: Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

JayantaPoddar — Wed, 05 May 2021 19:42:17 GMT

Merge and Append work on the same geometry type only. Points with Points, and Annotation with Annotations, etc.

So, you will need to create an Annotation Feature Class out of the Point Layer (Label to Annotation), followed by merging/appending the annotation features.

If required, you may convert Annotation to Points using Feature to Point .

Re: Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

GeoDev — Wed, 05 May 2021 19:45:33 GMT

Unfortunately, the point feature layer does not have any labels only
points, so the Label to Annotation tool does not work.

Re: Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

JayantaPoddar — Wed, 05 May 2021 19:50:20 GMT

In that case, could you tell me what you are trying to achieve by the merge/append?

If you want the Point features to be generated, where your existing Annotations are placed, you may use Feature to Point tool, as I mentioned.

Re: Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

GeoDev — Wed, 05 May 2021 20:10:33 GMT

The confusing part is.. the first part of the script is a CAD .DWG to
Geodatabase, which separates the .DWG file into separate layers with one
being labeled an 'Annotation' layer. Except that 'Annotation' is actually a
point layer when I right click it in the properties. My boss wanted me to
extract a subset of points from this 'Annotation' layer and merge it with
the existing production Parcel Annotation layer (which is actually a real
annotation type layer).

Re: Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

JayantaPoddar — Wed, 05 May 2021 20:18:40 GMT

Thank you for the clarification.

If you have ArcMap, you can use Import CAD Annotation Tool to convert CAD Annotation to Geodatabase Annotation, and then append the latter to the parcel annotation layer. Check the code sample for the python script.

Re: Is it possible to merge or append a point layer to an annotation layer?

GeoDev — Thu, 06 May 2021 12:47:44 GMT

Thank you for this answer. It was exactly what I was looking for!