Using Drawing Tools in Python

[DavidGranata]

I am trying to make a user friendly interface needing to capture an area of interest boundary to use in selecting layer records to be processed with Python.  I would like to imitate the interactive GUI capability of simply drawing a graphic rectangle on the map and use the "select by graphic" to select the layer records to process.  Is there a way to access these functions or is there a way to emulate this simple user interface in Python?

[JakeSkinner]

Hi David,

Take a look at the python add-in example here.  You will just need to update the code slightly to perform a 'Select by Location'.

[DavidGranata]

Jake,

Thank you for the information.

Is this only available with the Addin?  I am developing a Script tool specifically.  I am new to Python and have been working with ESRI Tech Support for assistance and was lead in the direction of developing a Script tool as being a bit less complicated to create.

[JakeSkinner]

Yes, you can do this by using the following code:

import arcpy

graphic = arcpy.GetParameterAsText(0)

arcpy.MakeFeatureLayer_management(graphic, "lyr")
arcpy.SelectLayerByLocation_management(arcpy.GetParameterAsText(1), "INTERSECT", "lyr")
arcpy.RefreshActiveView()

You will then want to add this script to a toolbox.  See the section 'Adding Script Tools' here.  After you add the script, right-click on the Script tool > Properties > Parameters tab.  You will want to set up two parameters:

For the first parameter, select a polygon feature class for the 'Schema' in the Parameter Properties.  The tool should then be ready to use.

[DavidGranata]

Hi Jake,

Thank you for providing information and education.

That is the point where I currently am at with my Script tool.  You have to define the schema to use which is the polygon editing.  The user interaction at this point is a polygon editing tool.  If you use the "rectangle" default the user interface is to make 3 clicks, not like the simple graphic rectangle draw click and drag a rectangle - very user friendly.

This is the meat of my inquiry.  A user needs a little education on how to "digitize" a rectangle.  The graphic rectangle is so intuitive and user friendly needing no education.  I would like to improve the user experience to make it as simple as the interactive graphic draw capability (if it were open to Python to use).

[JakeSkinner]

I don't believe you can set the default tool for a script tool.  However, you can use a rectangle for the shape property of a python add-in tool.  Developing a python add-in will be a little more complex, but it will accomplish the user experience you are looking for.

[DavidGranata]

Thank you Jake,

It would be so much easier if Python had access to the "Graphic Draw tools" and the "Select by Graphic" in the interactive user interface.