How do you set up data driven pages with ArcPy?

[BenjaminBauman]

Based on the lack of mention with in the documentation, as well the mention within this‌ gis.stackexchange thread, I'm getting the impression that it is not possible to set up data driven pages with ArcPy. This seems a little strange, seeing as how it is such a fundamental component of the Data Driven Pages toolbar. I am specifically trying to Enable Data Driven Pages, and then assigning it to a specific layer.

[AmandaBishop]

Hello Benjamin,

I don't know much about ArcPy, but I am assuming you are coding this for a script to run automatically?  In the past, when I have set up data driven pages for an atlas book, I have had to add my specific layer first before setting up the pages.  Maybe try reversing the order you mentioned?  Try adding the specific layer and then pointing to the "enable data driven pages" code?  Just a thought.

Amanda

[BenjaminBauman]

Hi Amanda, I appreciate your help. It looks as if I can't do this after all. I found similar questions on the suggested threads section that answered my question. Thanks again.

[DanPatterson_Retired]

It is quite simple to create a simple data driven page project and save it as a template.  Then you can ignore its limitations and continue the whole process using the arcpy.mapping module.  For example, the documentation beginning here will show you the python procedures within the module.  It is much the same way that you need a template to create a project in the first place...the principle applies here as well.  The capabilities of arcpy.mapping far surpass those of the ddp interface.

[BenjaminBauman]

Thanks Dan. You made some good points. Setting up the template manually is pretty trivial.