Convert ArcMap UI tool control with VBA embedded to Python?

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01-25-2011 10:57 AM
SuiHuang
Occasional Contributor II
Hi Experts:

    I am using ArcGIS 9.2 and I have a UI tool with VBA code underlying. This tool reads the map coordinate when I click on the map.
    Because VBA is going be decommissioned in some future version of ArcGIS, I am finding an alternative way to implement the UI tool. Is Python scripting an option to implement it?
    I currently don't know whether there is any method to hook the Python script with the map and the UI controlls in ArcMap. Can you give some suggestion?
    I want to avoid using ArcObjects extension written in .NET, because going that route will cause packaging and deployment process in my organization.
    Any opinion will be apprieciated.
    Thank you.
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FreddieGibson
Occasional Contributor III

You could accomplish this by building a tool using the PythonAddins framework or the ArcObjects AddIns framework. I know that you stated you didn't want to use ArcObjects, but I feel that you'd probably prefer the AddIns framework over the COM component approach. Both the PythonAddins and ArcObjects AddIns routes will create a file which the user can install on their machine without any administrative privileges.

What is a Python add-in?

http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/desktop/latest/guide-books/python-addins/what-is-a-python-add-in.htm

Creating a Python add-in tool

http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/desktop/latest/guide-books/python-addins/creating-an-add-in-tool.htm

Building add-ins for ArcGIS for Desktop (ArcObjects)

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/arcobjects-net/conceptualhelp/#/Building_add_ins_for_ArcGIS_for_...

Walkthrough: Building custom UI elements using add-ins

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/arcobjects-net/conceptualhelp/#/Walkthrough_Building_custom_UI_e...

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