ArcMap

Create Feature Dataset

Summary

Creates a feature dataset in the output location—an existing enterprise, file, or personal geodatabase.

Usage

  • A feature dataset is a collection of related feature classes that share a common coordinate system. Feature datasets are used to spatially or thematically integrate related feature classes. Their primary purpose is for organizing related feature classes into a common dataset for building a topology, a network dataset, a terrain dataset, or a geometric network.

Syntax

CreateFeatureDataset_management (out_dataset_path, out_name, {spatial_reference})
ParameterExplanationData Type
out_dataset_path

The enterprise, file geodatabase, or personal geodatabase in which the output feature dataset will be created.

Workspace
out_name

The name of the feature dataset to be created.

String
spatial_reference
(Optional)

The spatial reference of the output feature dataset. You can specify the spatial reference in several ways:

  • By entering the path to a .prj file, such as C:/workspace/watershed.prj.
  • By referencing a feature class or feature dataset whose spatial reference you want to apply, such as C:/workspace/myproject.gdb/landuse/grassland.
  • By defining a spatial reference object prior to using this tool, such as sr = arcpy.SpatialReference("C:/data/Africa/Carthage.prj"), which you then use as the spatial reference parameter.

Spatial Reference

Code sample

CreateFeatureDataset example 1 (Python window)

The following Python Window script demonstrates how to use the CreateFeatureDataset function in immediate mode.

import arcpy
arcpy.CreateFileGDB_management("C:/output", "HabitatAnalysis.gdb")
arcpy.CreateFeatureDataset_management("C:/output/HabitatAnalysis.gdb", "analysisresults", "C:/workspace/landuse.prj")
CreateFeatureDataset example 2 (stand-alone script)

The following Python script demonstrates how to use the CreateFeatureDataset function in a stand-alone script.

# Name: CreateFeatureDataset_Example2.py
# Description: Create a feature dataset 

# Import system modules
import arcpy

# Set local variables
out_dataset_path = "C:/output/HabitatAnalysis.gdb" 
out_name = "analysisresults"

# Creating a spatial reference object
sr = arcpy.SpatialReference("C:/data/studyarea.prj")

# Create a FileGDB for the fds
arcpy.CreateFileGDB_management("C:/output", "HabitatAnalysis.gdb")

# Execute CreateFeaturedataset 
arcpy.CreateFeatureDataset_management(out_dataset_path, out_name, sr)

Environments

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS Desktop Basic: Yes
  • ArcGIS Desktop Standard: Yes
  • ArcGIS Desktop Advanced: Yes

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