Use python to apply a definition query to an existing Layerfile.

[GregDreaper]

I will start with I know nothing about python, other than I need it now.  I have created a simple model that uploads a xyz file to a sql table with a survey id, creates an event theme, saves that to a .lyr file, and applies symbology.  However, I need one more thing.

I need some python code that will allow me to apply a definition query to query a single survey id and i need to be able to make it a parameter with the model.  Can anyone help out with this?  Thanks

[BenjaminGale]

I think this should do the trick.
The attached tool (removed: see attachment in post below) is already setup to be used in a model or on its own.

import arcpy

#Get parameters
lyrName = arcpy.GetParameterAsText(0)
defQuery = arcpy.GetParameterAsText(1)

lyr = arcpy.mapping.Layer(lyrName)
lyr.definitionQuery = defQuery

#Refresh ActiveView
arcpy.RefreshActiveView() 

[GregDreaper]

Perfect.  Exactly what I needed.

[GregDreaper]

As much was I thought this was going to work, it does not on layers that are not within a mxd or arcmap data frame.  It runs, but it does not update the layer file.  Can you help?

[BenjaminGale]

Should be fixed now. 🙂

#==========================
# DEFINITION QUERY
#==========================
# Benjamin Gale - May 2012
#==========================

import arcpy

#Get parameters
lyrName = arcpy.GetParameterAsText(0)
defQuery = arcpy.GetParameterAsText(1)

lyr = arcpy.mapping.Layer(lyrName)
lyr.definitionQuery = defQuery

#Refresh ActiveView
arcpy.RefreshActiveView()
#Save layer (will only occur if the layer is a .lyr file)
lyr.save()

[GregDreaper]

Awesome!  Thanks Buddy!  You have made lives easier.

[GregDreaper]

OK, so everything works great from Catalog or toolbox.  However when I publish to ArcGIS server I get this error, " Geoprocessing service initialization failed.
Invalid parameter: Tool - Survey Loader Tool v2 : Parameter - Input : Data Type - Multiple Value."  I assume the ASCII 3D to Feature Class input parameter is causing this.  Does anyone know a work around?  Thanks!