ArcMap

Iterate Feature Classes

Summary

Iterates over feature classes in a Workspace or Feature Dataset.

Learn how Iterate Feature Classes works in ModelBuilder

Usage

  • This tool is intended for use in ModelBuilder and not in Python scripting.

  • When this tool is used in a model, the first feature class is used as a template for the output. This allows for selection of fields in subsequent tools.

  • You can iterate over feature classes of any geometry type, such as Annotation, Arc, Dimension, Edge, Junction, Label, Line, Node, Point, Polygon, Region, Route, or TIC.

  • The tool has two outputs: Output Feature Class and Name, which could be used as in-line variable (e.g. %Name%) in other tools.

  • If an Iterator is added to a model, all tools in the model iterate for each value in the iterator. If you do not want to run each tool in the model for each iterated value, create a sub-model/model within a model/nested model that contains only the iterator and add it as a model tool into the main model.

Syntax

arcpy.mb.IterateFeatureClasses(in_workspace, {wildcard}, {feature_type}, {recursive})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_workspace

Workspace or feature dataset which stores the feature classes to iterate. If you define a geodatabase as your input workspace only the feature classes directly under the geodatabase will be iterated over (standalone feature classes). To iterate over all feature classes within a dataset located in the input geodatabase check the recursive option.

Workspace; Feature Dataset
wildcard
(Optional)

Combination of * and characters that help to limit the results. The asterisk is the same as saying ALL. If no wildcard is specified, all inputs will be returned. For example, it can be used to restrict Iteration over input names starting with a certain character or word (e.g., A* or Ari* or Land*,and so on).

String
feature_type
(Optional)

The feature type to be used as a filter. Only features of the specified type will be output. Not specifying a feature type means that all features will be output.

  • ANNOTATION —Only annotation feature classes will be the output.
  • ARC —Only arc features classes will be the output.
  • DIMENSION —Only dimension feature classes will be the output.
  • EDGE —Only edge feature classes will be the output.
  • JUNCTION —Only junction feature classes will be the output.
  • LABEL —Only label features classes will be the output.
  • LINE — Only line feature classes will be the output.
  • NODE —Only node features (from a coverage) will be the output.
  • POINT —Only point feature classes will be the output.
  • POLYGON —Only polygon feature classes will be the output.
  • REGION —Only region features (from a coverage) will be the output.
  • ROUTE —Only route features (from a coverage) will be the output.
  • TIC —Only tic features (from a coverage) will be the output.
String
recursive
(Optional)

Determines if the iterator will iterate through all sub-folders in the main workspace.

  • Checked—Will iterate through all subfolders.
  • Unchecked—Will not iterate through all subfolders.
Boolean

Environments

This tool does not use any geoprocessing environments.

Licensing information

  • Basic: Yes
  • Standard: Yes
  • Advanced: Yes

Related topics