Create Feature Dataset (Data Management)

Summary

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

Usage

• A feature dataset is a collection of related feature classes that share a common coordinate system. Feature datasets are used for organizing related feature classes into a common dataset for building a topology, network dataset, terrain, geometric network, or parcel fabric.

Syntax

CreateFeatureDataset(out_dataset_path, out_name, {spatial_reference})

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
out_dataset_path	The enterprise or file 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 the following ways: Enter the path to a .prj file, such as C:/workspace/watershed.prj. Reference a feature class or feature dataset whose spatial reference you want to apply, such as C:/workspace/myproject.gdb/landuse/grassland. Define 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

Derived Output

Name	Explanation	Data Type
out_dataset	The new output feature dataset.	Feature Dataset

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

Current Workspace, Output Coordinate System, XY Resolution, XY Tolerance, M Resolution, M Tolerance, Z Resolution, Z Tolerance

Licensing information

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