[GIS] ‘Pausing’ a Python script tool to allow the user to provide input before continuing

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I am using ArcGIS. I have written a Python script that creates various surfaces including NDVI. After the script creates those surfaces, I would like the script to stop running while the user manually:

examines the NDVI and other outputs from the first part of the script
creates a feature class
and edits the feature class to add some point features at appropriate locations.

Once the user is done creating and editing the point feature class, I want the script to keep going.

Is this possible?

Best Answer

Since step three is a manual editing of features based on looking at the NDVI image I would recommend creating two scripts.

For the first script, doing what you've done already and also adds the NDVI image into ArcMap (part of step 1) and creates the feature class (step 2)
Second script runs after you are done with your third step.

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It might be easier to use two input parameters instead; a folder (directory) and a filename (string), and then handle your overwrite logic in your script, not your validation routine. Often times this is better practice anyways since you may want to be able to run your script standalone.

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Here's a generic function based on this post.

Maybe this is a little more kludgy than the ArcObjects solution, but it sure seems like a lot less hassle! Simple is better than complex. Except when it isn't.

Example usage:

if CheckEditSession(tbl):
    print("An edit session is currently open.")

code:

def CheckEditSession(lyr):
    """Check for an active edit session on an fc or table.
    Return True of edit session active, else False"""
    edit_session = True
    row1 = None
    try:
        # attempt to open two cursors on the input
        # this generates a RuntimeError if no edit session is active
        OID = arcpy.Describe(lyr).OIDFieldName
        with arcpy.da.UpdateCursor(lyr, OID) as rows:
            row = next(rows)
            with arcpy.da.UpdateCursor(lyr, OID) as rows2:
                row2 = next(rows2)
    except RuntimeError as e:
        if e.message == "workspace already in transaction mode":
            # this error means that no edit session is active
            edit_session = False
        else:
            # we have some other error going on, report it
            raise
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Best Answer

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[GIS] Controlling Overwrite Behavior in ArcGIS Python Script Tool Validation

ArcPy – Checking if ArcMap is in Edit Session

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