Streamline Workflow with Model Builder
September 10, 2008 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, ArcToolbox, GIS Tips
There are many tasks that we preform over and over each day in ArcMap. We go through the same routine without thought of there actually being an easier way. These repetitious actions can actually be modeled to make like easier and more productive. ArcGIS provides a excellent tool called Model Builder. Model Builder is based out of ArcToolbox. By following just a few simple steps, you can be on your way to an easier, more productive work flow.
To create a model:
1. Open ArcToolbox by clicking on the red toolbox at the top of ArcMap or ArcCatalog.
2. Create a new toolbox to store your new model (you can also store existing tools in your own favorites toolbox).
A. Right click in ArcToolbox window.
B. Select New Toolbox.
3. Add new model to toolbox (you can also add a toolset to organize your tools more efficiently).
A. Right click toolbox
B. Select New -> Model…
The Model Builder application will open up.
*Note: In ArcGIS 9.3 there is a Model Builder button located on the tool bar beside ArcCatalog and ArcToolbox. You can skip the first three steps.
4. Drag and drop tools from ArcToolbox to Model Builder window.
5. Set the parameters for each tool. (Each figure in black and white is not complete.)
A. Double click on the process (rectangle)
B. Fill in requested information
C. Click OK
*Note: Parameters can be static or setup to be entered each time the model is run. To require user input:
1. Right click on input that you would like to be variable (oval)
2. Click Model Parameter
This will create an input box when you open the model from ArcToolbox.
Once you have fullfilled all of the requested parameters, your model will be filled with colors. This shows that the model is ready to be run.
6. Test your model by clicking the Model Menu -> Run.
Now that you have created the new model you can edit it at any time by right clicking it from the toolbox and selecting edit. There are also options under the Model Menu that will allow you to rename and change several properties.
Once you have these fundamental steps down, you can make you model as complex as you would like. This is a big time saver and I hope that you can benefit from it. Enjoy!
john on Wed, 16th Dec 2009 11:26 pm
ok making models is easy but i havent been able to create a model where you can drag in multiple layers of data. say i want to clip field boundary A,B, and C to a soils layer. how could i create a model that would do that. i know i can create a model drag in Field A, B, and C drag in the clip tool and then attach the soils to the clip and then the fields, but i want it to be used like a tool where i can select any layer to clip that i want and any field too
Timothy on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 11:21 am
John,
If I understand you correctly, you would need to make the layer and field parts of the model a variable parameter. This will enable you to select on the front end of the model other data to be used in the model.
In the model builder screen, right click the elements and select Make Variable ->From Parameter…