Make Route Layer (Network Analyst)

Summary

Makes a route network analysis layer and sets its analysis properties. A route analysis layer is useful for determining the best route between a set of network locations based on a specified network cost.

Legacy:

This is a deprecated tool. This functionality has been replaced by the Make Route Analysis Layer tool.

Usage

• After creating the analysis layer with this tool, you can add network analysis objects to it using the Add Locations tool, solve the analysis using the Solve tool, and save the results on disk using the Save To Layer File tool.

• When using this tool in geoprocessing models, if the model is run as a tool, the output network analysis layer must be made a model parameter; otherwise, the output layer is not added to the contents of the map.

Parameters

Dialog

Label	Explanation	Data Type
Input Analysis Network	The network dataset on which the route analysis will be performed.	Network Dataset Layer
Output Layer Name	Name of the route network analysis layer to create.	String
Impedance Attribute	The cost attribute that will be used as impedance in the analysis.	String
Reorder Stops to Find Optimal Route (Optional)	Checked—The stops will be reordered to find the optimal route. This option changes the route analysis from a shortest-path problem to a traveling salesperson problem (TSP). Unchecked—The stops will be visited in the input order. This is the default.	Boolean
Preserve Ordering of Stops (Optional)	Specifies the ordering of stops when Reorder stops to find optimal route parameter is checked. Preserve first and last stops—The first and last stops by input order will be preserved as the first and last stops in the route. Preserve first stop—The first stop by input order will be preserved as the first stop in the route, but the last stop can be reordered. Preserve last stop—The last stop by input order will be preserved as the last stop in the route, but the first stop can be reordered. Reorder all stops—The first and last stops will not be preserved and can be reordered.	String
Use Time Windows (Optional)	Specifies whether time windows will be used at the stops. Checked—The route will consider time windows on the stops. If a stop is arrived at before its time window, there will be wait time until the time window starts. If a stop is arrived at after its time window, there will be a time window violation. Total time window violation is balanced against adding impedance when computing the route. This option is enabled only when the impedance is in time units. Unchecked—The route will ignore time windows on the stops. This is the default.	Boolean
Accumulators (Optional)	A list of cost attributes to be accumulated during analysis. These accumulation attributes are for reference only; the solver only uses the cost attribute specified by the Impedance Attribute parameter to calculate the route. For each cost attribute that is accumulated, a Total_[Impedance] property is added to the routes that are output by the solver.	String
U-Turn Policy (Optional)	Specifies the U-turn policy that will be used at junctions. Allowing U-turns implies that the solver can turn around at a junction and double back on the same street. Given that junctions represent street intersections and dead ends, different vehicles may be able to turn around at some junctions but not at others—it depends on whether the junction represents an intersection or a dead end. To accommodate this, the U-turn policy parameter is implicitly specified by the number of edges that connect to the junction, which is known as junction valency. The acceptable values for this parameter are listed below; each is followed by a description of its meaning in terms of junction valency. If you need a more precisely defined U-turn policy, consider adding a global turn delay evaluator to a network cost attribute or adjusting its settings if one exists, and pay particular attention to the configuration of reverse turns. You can also set the CurbApproach property of your network locations. Allowed—U-turns are permitted at junctions with any number of connected edges. This is the default value. Not allowed—U-turns are prohibited at all junctions, regardless of junction valency. However, U-turns are still permitted at network locations even when this option is specified, but you can set the individual network location's CurbApproach property to prohibit U-turns there as well. Allowed at dead ends only—U-turns are prohibited at all junctions, except those that have only one adjacent edge (a dead end). Allowed at dead ends and intersections only—U-turns are prohibited at junctions where exactly two adjacent edges meet but are permitted at intersections (junctions with three or more adjacent edges) and dead ends (junctions with exactly one adjacent edge). Often, networks have extraneous junctions in the middle of road segments. This option prevents vehicles from making U-turns at these locations.	String
Restrictions (Optional)	A list of restriction attributes that will be applied during the analysis.	String
Use Hierarchy in Analysis (Optional)	Checked—The hierarchy attribute will be used for the analysis. Using a hierarchy results in the solver preferring higher-order edges to lower-order edges. Hierarchical solves are faster, and they can be used to simulate the preference of a driver who chooses to travel on freeways rather than local roads when possible—even if that means a longer trip. This option is active only if the input network dataset has a hierarchy attribute. Unchecked—The hierarchy attribute will not be used for the analysis, and the result will be an exact route for the network dataset. The parameter is inactive if no hierarchy attribute is defined on the network dataset used to perform the analysis.	Boolean
Hierarchy Rank Settings (Optional)	Legacy: Prior to version 10, this parameter allowed you to change the hierarchy ranges for the analysis from the default hierarchy ranges established in the network dataset. At version 10, this parameter is no longer supported. To change the hierarchy ranges for the analysis, update the default hierarchy ranges in the network dataset.	Network Analyst Hierarchy Settings
Output Path Shape (Optional)	Specifies the shape type that will be used for the route features that are output by the analysis. Regardless of the output shape type specified, the best route is always determined by the network impedance, not Euclidean distance. This means that only the route shapes are different, not the underlying traversal of the network. True lines with measures—The output routes will have the exact shape of the underlying network sources. The output includes route measurements for linear referencing. The measurements increase from the first stop and record the cumulative impedance to reach a given position. True lines without measures—The output routes will have the exact shape of the underlying network sources. Straight lines—The output route shape will be a single straight line between the stops. No lines—No shape will be generated for the output routes.	String
Start Time (Optional)	The start date and time for the route. Route start time is typically used to find routes based on the impedance attribute that varies with the time of the day. For example, a start time of 7:00 a.m. can be used to find a route that considers rush hour traffic. The default value for this parameter is 8:00 a.m. A date and time can be specified as 10/21/05 10:30 AM. If the route spans multiple days and only the start time is specified, the current date is used. Configure the analysis to use one of the following special dates to model a day of the week or the current date instead of a specific, static date: Today—12/30/1899 Sunday—12/31/1899 Monday—1/1/1900 Tuesday—1/2/1900 Wednesday—1/3/1900 Thursday—1/4/1900 Friday—1/5/1900 Saturday—1/6/1900 For example, to specify that travel should begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, specify the parameter value as 1/2/1900 5:00 PM. After the solve, the start and end times of the route are populated in the output routes. These start and end times are also used when directions are generated. Learn more about how dates and times are used and interpreted in a network analysis	Date

Derived Output

Label	Explanation	Data Type
Network Analyst Layer	The newly created network analysis layer.	Network Analyst Layer

Python

arcpy.na.MakeRouteLayer(in_network_dataset, out_network_analysis_layer, impedance_attribute, {find_best_order}, {ordering_type}, {time_windows}, {accumulate_attribute_name}, {UTurn_policy}, {restriction_attribute_name}, {hierarchy}, {hierarchy_settings}, {output_path_shape}, {start_date_time})

Name	Explanation	Data Type
in_network_dataset	The network dataset on which the route analysis will be performed.	Network Dataset Layer
out_network_analysis_layer	Name of the route network analysis layer to create.	String
impedance_attribute	The cost attribute that will be used as impedance in the analysis.	String
find_best_order (Optional)	FIND_BEST_ORDER—The stops will be reordered to find the optimal route. This option changes the route analysis from a shortest-path problem to a traveling salesperson problem (TSP). USE_INPUT_ORDER—The stops will be visited in the input order. This is the default.	Boolean
ordering_type (Optional)	Specifies the ordering of stops when FIND_BEST_ORDER is used. PRESERVE_BOTH—The first and last stops by input order will be preserved as the first and last stops in the route. PRESERVE_FIRST—The first stop by input order will be preserved as the first stop in the route, but the last stop can be reordered. PRESERVE_LAST—The last stop by input order will be preserved as the last stop in the route, but the first stop can be reordered. PRESERVE_NONE—The first and last stops will not be preserved and can be reordered.	String
time_windows (Optional)	Specifies whether time windows will be used at the stops. USE_TIMEWINDOWS—The route will consider time windows on the stops. If a stop is arrived at before its time window, there will be wait time until the time window starts. If a stop is arrived at after its time window, there will be a time window violation. Total time window violation is balanced against minimum impedance when computing the route. This is a valid option only when the impedance is in time units. NO_TIMEWINDOWS—The route will ignore time windows on the stops. This is the default.	Boolean
accumulate_attribute_name [accumulate_attribute_name,...] (Optional)	A list of cost attributes to be accumulated during analysis. These accumulation attributes are for reference only; the solver only uses the cost attribute specified by the Impedance Attribute parameter to calculate the route. For each cost attribute that is accumulated, a Total_[Impedance] property is added to the routes that are output by the solver.	String
UTurn_policy (Optional)	Specifies the U-turn policy that will be used at junctions. Allowing U-turns implies that the solver can turn around at a junction and double back on the same street. Given that junctions represent street intersections and dead ends, different vehicles may be able to turn around at some junctions but not at others—it depends on whether the junction represents an intersection or a dead end. To accommodate this, the U-turn policy parameter is implicitly specified by the number of edges that connect to the junction, which is known as junction valency. The acceptable values for this parameter are listed below; each is followed by a description of its meaning in terms of junction valency. ALLOW_UTURNS—U-turns are permitted at junctions with any number of connected edges. This is the default value. NO_UTURNS—U-turns are prohibited at all junctions, regardless of junction valency. However, U-turns are still permitted at network locations even when this option is specified, but you can set the individual network location's CurbApproach property to prohibit U-turns there as well. ALLOW_DEAD_ENDS_ONLY—U-turns are prohibited at all junctions, except those that have only one adjacent edge (a dead end). ALLOW_DEAD_ENDS_AND_INTERSECTIONS_ONLY—U-turns are prohibited at junctions where exactly two adjacent edges meet but are permitted at intersections (junctions with three or more adjacent edges) and dead ends (junctions with exactly one adjacent edge). Often, networks have extraneous junctions in the middle of road segments. This option prevents vehicles from making U-turns at these locations. If you need a more precisely defined U-turn policy, consider adding a global turn delay evaluator to a network cost attribute or adjusting its settings if one exists, and pay particular attention to the configuration of reverse turns. You can also set the CurbApproach property of your network locations.	String
restriction_attribute_name [restriction_attribute_name,...] (Optional)	A list of restriction attributes that will be applied during the analysis.	String
hierarchy (Optional)	USE_HIERARCHY—The hierarchy attribute will be used for the analysis. Using a hierarchy results in the solver preferring higher-order edges to lower-order edges. Hierarchical solves are faster, and they can be used to simulate the preference of a driver who chooses to travel on freeways rather than local roads when possible—even if that means a longer trip. This option is valid only if the input network dataset has a hierarchy attribute. NO_HIERARCHY—The hierarchy attribute will not be used for the analysis, and the result will be an exact route for the network dataset. The parameter is not used if no hierarchy attribute is defined on the network dataset used to perform the analysis.	Boolean
hierarchy_settings (Optional)	Legacy: Prior to version 10, this parameter allowed you to change the hierarchy ranges for the analysis from the default hierarchy ranges established in the network dataset. At version 10, this parameter is no longer supported and should be specified as an empty string. To change the hierarchy ranges for the analysis, update the default hierarchy ranges in the network dataset.	Network Analyst Hierarchy Settings
output_path_shape (Optional)	Specifies the shape type that will be used for the route features that are output by the analysis. TRUE_LINES_WITH_MEASURES—The output routes will have the exact shape of the underlying network sources. The output includes route measurements for linear referencing. The measurements increase from the first stop and record the cumulative impedance to reach a given position. TRUE_LINES_WITHOUT_MEASURES—The output routes will have the exact shape of the underlying network sources. STRAIGHT_LINES—The output route shape will be a single straight line between the stops. NO_LINES—No shape will be generated for the output routes. Regardless of the output shape type specified, the best route is always determined by the network impedance, not Euclidean distance. This means that only the route shapes are different, not the underlying traversal of the network.	String
start_date_time (Optional)	The start date and time for the route. Route start time is typically used to find routes based on the impedance attribute that varies with the time of the day. For example, a start time of 7:00 a.m. can be used to find a route that considers rush hour traffic. The default value for this parameter is 8:00 a.m. A date and time can be specified as 10/21/05 10:30 AM. If the route spans multiple days and only the start time is specified, the current date is used. Configure the analysis to use one of the following special dates to model a day of the week or the current date instead of a specific, static date: Today—12/30/1899 Sunday—12/31/1899 Monday—1/1/1900 Tuesday—1/2/1900 Wednesday—1/3/1900 Thursday—1/4/1900 Friday—1/5/1900 Saturday—1/6/1900 For example, to specify that travel should begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, specify the parameter value as 1/2/1900 5:00 PM. After the solve, the start and end times of the route are populated in the output routes. These start and end times are also used when directions are generated. Learn more about how dates and times are used and interpreted in a network analysis	Date

Derived Output

Name	Explanation	Data Type
output_layer	The newly created network analysis layer.	Network Analyst Layer

Code sample

MakeRouteLayer example 1 (Python window)

Run the tool using only the required parameters.

network = "C:/Data/SanFrancisco.gdb/Transportation/Streets_ND"
arcpy.na.MakeRouteLayer(network, "WorkRoute", "TravelTime")

MakeRouteLayer example 2 (Python window)

Run the tool using all parameters.

network = "C:/Data/SanFrancisco.gdb/Transportation/Streets_ND"
arcpy.na.MakeRouteLayer(network, "InspectionRoute", "TravelTime",
                        "FIND_BEST_ORDER", "PRESERVE_BOTH", "USE_TIMEWINDOWS",
                        ["Meters", "TravelTime"],
                        "ALLOW_DEAD_ENDS_AND_INTERSECTIONS_ONLY", ["Oneway"],
                        "USE_HIERARCHY", "", "TRUE_LINES_WITH_MEASURES",
                        "1/1/1900 9:00 AM")

MakeRouteLayer example 3 (workflow)

The following stand-alone Python script demonstrates how the MakeRouteLayer tool can be used to find a best route to visit the geocoded stop locations.

# Name: MakeRouteLayer_Workflow.py
# Description: Find a best route to visit the stop locations and save the
#              route to a layer file. The stop locations are geocoded from a
#              text file containing the addresses.
# Requirements: Network Analyst Extension

#Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
import os

try:
    #Set environment settings
    output_dir = "C:/Data"
    #The NA layer's data will be saved to the workspace specified here
    env.workspace = os.path.join(output_dir, "Output.gdb")
    env.overwriteOutput = True

    #Set local variables
    input_gdb = "C:/Data/SanFrancisco.gdb"
    network = os.path.join(input_gdb, "Transportation", "Streets_ND")
    layer_name = "BestRoute"
    impedance = "TravelTime"
    address_locator = os.path.join(input_gdb, "SanFranciscoLocator")
    address_table = "C:/Data/StopAddresses.csv"
    address_fields = "Street Address;City City;State State;ZIP <None>"
    out_stops = "GeocodedStops"
    output_layer_file = os.path.join(output_dir, layer_name + ".lyrx")

    #Create a new Route layer. For this scenario, the default values for all the
    #remaining parameters statisfy the analysis requirements
    result_object = arcpy.na.MakeRouteLayer(network, layer_name, impedance)

    #Get the layer object from the result object. The route layer can now be
    #referenced using the layer object.
    layer_object = result_object.getOutput(0)

    #Get the names of all the sublayers within the route layer.
    sublayer_names = arcpy.na.GetNAClassNames(layer_object)
    #Stores the layer names that we will use later
    stops_layer_name = sublayer_names["Stops"]

    #Geocode the stop locations from a csv file containing the addresses.
    #The Geocode Addresses tool can use a text or csv file as input table
    #as long as the first line in the file contains the field names.
    arcpy.geocoding.GeocodeAddresses(address_table, address_locator,
                                     address_fields, out_stops)

    #Load the geocoded address locations as stops mapping the address field from
    #geocoded stop features as Name property using field mappings.
    field_mappings = arcpy.na.NAClassFieldMappings(layer_object,
                                                            stops_layer_name)
    field_mappings["Name"].mappedFieldName = "Address"
    arcpy.na.AddLocations(layer_object, stops_layer_name, out_stops,
                            field_mappings, "",
                            exclude_restricted_elements="EXCLUDE")

    #Solve the route layer, ignoring any invalid locations such as those that
    #cannot be geocoded
    arcpy.na.Solve(layer_object, "SKIP")

    #Save the solved route layer as a layer file on disk
    layer_object.saveACopy(output_layer_file)

    print("Script completed successfully")

except Exception as e:
    # If an error occurred, print line number and error message
    import traceback, sys
    tb = sys.exc_info()[2]
    print("An error occurred on line %i" % tb.tb_lineno)
    print(str(e))

MakeRouteLayer example 4 (workflow)

This example creates multiple routes in a single solve, which is often used to calculate distances or drive times between origin-destination pairs.

# Name: MakeRouteLayer_MultiRouteWorkflow.py
# Description: Calculate the home-work commutes for a set of people and save
#              the output to a feature class
# Requirements: Network Analyst Extension

#Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
import datetime
import os

try:
    #Set environment settings
    output_dir = "C:/Data"
    #The NA layer's data will be saved to the workspace specified here
    env.workspace = os.path.join(output_dir, "Output.gdb")
    env.overwriteOutput = True

    #Set local variables
    input_gdb = "C:/data/SanFrancisco.gdb"
    network = os.path.join(input_gdb, "Transportation", "Streets_ND")
    stops_home = os.path.join(input_gdb, "Analysis", "Commuters_Home")
    stops_work = os.path.join(input_gdb, "Analysis", "Commuters_Work")
    layer_name = "Commuters"
    out_routes_featureclass = "Commuter_Routes"
    impedance = "TravelTime"

    #Set the time of day for the analysis to 8AM on a generic Monday.
    start_time = datetime.datetime(1900, 1, 1, 8, 0, 0)

    #Create a new Route layer.  Optimize on TravelTime, but compute the
    #distance traveled by accumulating the Meters attribute.
    result_object = arcpy.na.MakeRouteLayer(network, layer_name, impedance,
                                         accumulate_attribute_name=["Meters"],
                                         hierarchy="NO_HIERARCHY",
                                         start_date_time=start_time)

    #Get the layer object from the result object. The route layer can now be
    #referenced using the layer object.
    layer_object = result_object.getOutput(0)

    #Get the names of all the sublayers within the route layer.
    sublayer_names = arcpy.na.GetNAClassNames(layer_object)
    #Stores the layer names that we will use later
    stops_layer_name = sublayer_names["Stops"]
    routes_layer_name = sublayer_names["Routes"]

    #Before loading the commuters' home and work locations as route stops, set
    #up field mapping.  Map the "Commuter_Name" field from the input data to
    #the RouteName property in the Stops sublayer, which ensures that each
    #unique Commuter_Name will be placed in a separate route.  Matching
    #Commuter_Names from stops_home and stops_work will end up in the same
    #route.
    field_mappings = arcpy.na.NAClassFieldMappings(layer_object, stops_layer_name)
    field_mappings["RouteName"].mappedFieldName = "Commuter_Name"

    #Add the commuters' home and work locations as Stops. The same field mapping
    #works for both input feature classes because they both have a field called
    #"Commuter_Name"
    arcpy.na.AddLocations(layer_object, stops_layer_name, stops_home,
                        field_mappings, "",
                        exclude_restricted_elements = "EXCLUDE")
    arcpy.na.AddLocations(layer_object, stops_layer_name, stops_work,
                        field_mappings, "", append="APPEND",
                        exclude_restricted_elements = "EXCLUDE")

    #Solve the route layer.
    arcpy.na.Solve(layer_object)

    # Get the output Routes sublayer and save it to a feature class
    routes_sublayer = layer_object.listLayers(routes_layer_name)[0]
    arcpy.management.CopyFeatures(routes_sublayer, out_routes_featureclass)

    print("Script completed successfully")

except Exception as e:
    # If an error occurred, print line number and error message
    import traceback, sys
    tb = sys.exc_info()[2]
    print("An error occurred on line %i" % tb.tb_lineno)
    print(str(e))

Environments

Current Workspace

Licensing information

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