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Automatically export PDF from ArcMap

  • June 13, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 47 views

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I've got a longer workflow which downloads and processes data triggered by change in a webservice. As of now FME Server runs automatically and creates an FGDB-ouput.

Since I've also got a map series in ArcMap which I use to produce PDF-maps based on the data created by FME, I'd like to automate the whole workflow.

Is there any best practice on how I can trigger this through FME?

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2 replies

david_r
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  • June 13, 2016

You can use the ExportToPDF() function in the ArcGIS arcpy.mapping module from a shutdown script in your workspace. If you know a little Python it is pretty straight-forward.

This article is a good starting point: http://desktop.arcgis.com/fr/arcmap/10.3/analyze/arcpy-mapping/introduction-to-arcpy-mapping.htm

Here's a more detailed tutorial: http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/analyze/arcpy-mapping/getting-started-with-arcpy-mapping-tutorial.htm

Note that you will first have to change the FME python interpreter so that it can find the arcpy libraries: https://knowledge.safe.com/articles/814/choosing-a-different-python-interpreter-installati.html


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  • Author
  • June 13, 2016

Thanks, sounds pretty straightforward. I was hoping there was some kind of hidden command line for ArcMap, but Python will do.