Make Building Layer (Data Management)

Summary

Creates a composite building layer from a dataset, usually from a BIM file workspace (Revit file).

Usage

  • The output building layer keeps the elements of the building grouped together.

  • The output dataset created by the BIM File To Geodatabase tool can be used as input to this tool. The symbology of the building layer will match that of the BIM file workspace and keep the elements of the building grouped together.

  • The output building layer can be used as input to the Create Building Scene Layer Package tool, which allows you to publish your buildings as a building scene layer package.

  • The layer that is created will not persist after the session ends unless the document is saved. This tool will then attach all the expected symbology for a building layer to show in your scene.

  • This tool creates the equivalent of adding a BIM model to an ArcGIS Pro scene so that it can then be published as a building scene layer package.

  • To save the layers you've created in a project for later use or to share with others, you can save it as a layer file. A layer file preserves layer symbology and settings for use in other projects, but the feature class must remain available.

    The temporary output feature layer can be saved as a layer file using the Save To Layer File tool or as a feature class using the Copy Features tool.

  • Complex feature classes, such as annotation, are not supported by this tool.

  • When using ModelBuilder to create a tool that uses the Make Building Layer tool, ensure that the Input Feature Dataset variable is not flagged as intermediate. If the input is flagged as intermediate, it will be deleted after your model tool is run from its dialog box, and the output layer will not be added to the display.

Syntax

MakeBuildingLayer(in_feature_dataset, out_layer)
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_feature_dataset

The input dataset from which to make the new building feature layers. The building layer keeps the structure and the symbology grouped together.

Feature Dataset
out_layer

The name of the feature layer to be created. The layer can be used as input to any geoprocessing tool that accepts a feature layer as input.

Building Scene Layer

Code sample

MakeBuildingLayer example (stand-alone script)

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

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

# Import system modules
import arcpy

# Set Overwrite option
arcpy.env.overwriteOutput = True

# Make a building layer from a Dataset
arcpy.MakeBuildingLayer_management("C:/data/facilities/University.gdb/BuildingA", "Bld_A")

# Create a building Scene layer package
arcpy.CreateBuildingSceneLayerPackage_management(BLD_A, output_BLD_A.slpk)

Environments

Licensing information

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

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