ArcMap

Quick Import

Available with Data Interoperability license.

Summary

Converts data in any format supported by the ArcGIS Data Interoperability extension into feature classes.

The output is stored in a geodatabase. The geodatabase can then be used directly or further post-processing can be performed.

Usage

  • This tool is used to import nonnative data to the ArcGIS environment. The output usually requires additional processing before it can be integrated with existing data or formats.

  • This tool can be used as the first step in a model or script in the ArcGIS framework.

  • The feature classes that are generated depend on the input data. For instance, if you import two MapInfo MIF/MID files, two features classes will be created.

  • This tool honors the Geoprocessing overwrite setting.

  • When in ModelBuilder the feature classes that are generated in the output geodatabase can be accessed using the Select Data tool.

  • This tool creates a default output schema for the geodatabase that is created. If the output requires schema changes, then the Spatial ETL Tool should be used.

  • Bezier curves found in the input are maintained as Bezier curves in the output feature classes.

Syntax

QuickImport_interop (Input, Output)
ParameterExplanationData Type
Input

The data to be imported. The syntax can take multiple forms:

  • If the source data is a file with a well-known file extension, it can be given as-is. For instance, "c:\data\roads.mif".
  • If the source data is not a file, or the file has an unknown extension, the format can be given as part of the argument, separated by a comma. For instance, "MIF,c:\data\roads.mif". The names for supported formats can be found in the Formats Gallery, by opening this tool in dialog mode and clicking the browse button.
  • Wildcards can be used to read in large datasets. For instance, "MIF,c:\data\roads*.*".
    • The * character matches any series of characters for all files in the current directory. For instance, c:\data\roads*.mif will match c:\data\roads.mif, c:\data\roads5.mif, and c:\data\roads-updated.mif.
    • The ** characters match any subdirectories, recursively. For instance, c:\data\**\*.mif will match c:\data\roads.mif, c:\data\canada\rivers.mif, and c:\data\canada\alberta\edmonton.mif.

  • Additional format-specific parameters can be added after the dataset, separated by a comma. However, the syntax can be complex, so if this is required it is easiest to run the tool using its dialog and copy the Python syntax from the Results window.

Interop Source Dataset
Output

The output file or personal geodatabase.

Workspace

Code sample

# Name: QuickImport_Ex_01.py
# Requirements: None
# Description: Imports Map Info file to a geodatabase

# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env

# Check out the Data Interoperability Extension
arcpy.CheckOutExtension("DataInteroperability")

# Set local variables
mif_table= "c:/data/roads.tab"
output_gdb = "c:/workspace/mif_output.gdb"

# Execute Quick Ixport
arcpy.QuickImport_interop(mif_table, output_gdb)

Environments

This tool does not use any geoprocessing environments.

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS Desktop Basic: Requires Data Interoperability
  • ArcGIS Desktop Standard: Requires Data Interoperability
  • ArcGIS Desktop Advanced: Requires Data Interoperability

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