How to use any ArcMap tool from a python script?

Question

I'm trying to develop a tool that uses some of arcmap default tools like the Sketch Tool or Trace Tool. Is it possible?

Let me explain a little more, I need to draw a feature, ask for user input, and save the feature + data to the shape file, can it be done using python?

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 16 '11 at 22:07

2

No, this is not exposed in the Python APIS. If you're feeling intrepid you can try comtypes or writing the functionality in C++ and calling it from ctypes.

answered Feb 16 '11 at 22:07

Jason Scheirer

18,002
2
53
72

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:34

2

You will need full access to ArcObjects in Python to do this. See How do I access arcobjects from python?. It is not for the faint of heart. ESRI uses python as a scripting engine for its geoprocessing tools, not for UI stuff.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:34

Community

1

answered Feb 16 '11 at 22:08

Regan Sarwas

1,675
11
20

How to use any ArcMap tool from a python script?

2 Answers2