Network dataset creation

[AshkanGholamialam]

I am programming OD cost matrix generation in Python and everything was going well till I needed to create the network dataset in order to accomplish network analysis tasks. Would you think there is any module available online that might do this?

I really appreciate your time!

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Creating a network dataset—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop the conventional approach

What is the Network Analyst module?—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop via arcpy... if the class or function isn't there, it can't be done without arcobjects

[MelindaMorang · Accepted solution]

Hello.  Unfortunately, creating a network dataset from scratch cannot be done through python.

If you're using ArcGIS Pro, you can create a network dataset using the Create Network Dataset From Template tool, which can be called from python.  However, you have to have a template to work from, so you have to have created a network dataset at some point previously to use as a template.

[ArunEpuri]

I have multiple gdbs based on regions.

1. I created the network dataset for one gdb manually by using ArcGIS =>New => Network DataSet

2. Used CreateTemplateFromNetworkDataset to export the template

3. To replicate the same template for rest of the gdbs. I want to use python script

     Can I use the previous exported template. If yes, Where I need to change/specify on which datasource these template need to be applied. There is no parameter in the tool to mention input dataset

Please let suggest.

[MelindaMorang]

Yes, you can use the template you created to make new network datasets in other geodatabases.  Set the output_feature_dataset parameter to the feature dataset in the geodatabase where you want to create the network.

[ArunEpuri]

Thanks Melinda for quick response.

I tried it, it's not working and throwing below error

Here is error message details.

Messages
Executing: CreateNetworkDatasetFromTemplate C:\.....\HydroNDTemplateNew.xml C:\....\NHDPLUS_H_1406_HU4_GDB.gdb\Hydrography
Start Time: Mon Sep 9 17:30:09 2019
ERROR 030168: The network dataset cannot be created from template xml file.
The network source must correspond to a simple feature class.
Failed to execute (CreateNetworkDatasetFromTemplate).
Failed at Mon Sep 9 17:30:10 2019 (Elapsed Time: 1.26 seconds)

[MelindaMorang]

My guess is that one of your source feature classes is not a normal point or line feature class.  Maybe it's a multipoint or a raster or some other weird thing.