I am trying to write a python script to work with an existing MXD and export the maps to a PDF. A user will provide a new scale for the maps (data driven pages generates a map book). But, so far I cannot get the sclae to update/refresh for the exported PDFs. Can anyone help? I do a RefreshActiveView. Is an MXD save required? Or do I need to do something with ListLayoutElements in addition? If so, what? Thanks for any help.# the portion where help is needed.....
mxd_left = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(mxdPathLeft)
df_left = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd_left, "Map View")[0]
print df_left.scale #returns 108769.210, whatever
df_left.scale = user_scale #36000 entered, for instance
print df_left.scale #returns 36000.0
arcpy.RefreshActiveView()
