Very often, I want to merge + dissolve (or union + dissolve) several layers. It would be so convenient to do this in one step - either have the option in the merge or union tool, or have a new tool that dissolves several layers at once.
I think the nature of the tools are quite different, merge is simply bringing datasets together, dissolve or union is a geometric operation. So to combine these disparate operations into a single tool is undoubtedly problematic. So chaining the tools as you do now is the most robust solution. You can do this in model builder and expose it as a tool. You then get the experience of a single tool interface but behind the scenes its running the tools in sequence. Suggest you explore model builder.
As noted elsewhere, the ability to blend GP tools into a single Model tool in ModelBuilder is a powerful option. ModelBuilder allows iteration that might meet your needs. I have also found that building a Task can be very useful blending GP Tools and Commands, etc. Both take a while to master but might save time in the long run.
Thank you for your answers. I am well acquainted with the Model Builder, but I prefer to work with arcpy instead. I know there is a way to speed it up, I just thought it might be a neat feature for people who start out and don't use either yet.
I understand that merge + dissolve would be difficult since they are different operations. How about the dissolve + union - if they are both geometric operations, would it be easier to combine those two into a single tool?
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