Make XY Event Layer (Data Management)
Release 9.2 Last modified November 29, 2010	Print all topics in : "Tools"

Makes a point layer based on x and y coordinates from a source table.

Usage tips

• This tool allows you to create a layer based on x and y columns from an input table.

• Once you have added the data to your map, the layer behaves like other point feature layers.

• The Spatial Reference parameter allows you to specify the spatial reference of the output coordinates.

• If the table is editable, you will be able to edit the layer. However, you won't be able to interactively move a point on the map; you must change the coordinates in the table.

• If the table does not have an ObjectID (such as delimited text files or tables from OLE DB connections), you will not be able to make selections.

• When working in ArcCatalog, you can use the Save To Layer File tool to write the x,y layer to a layer file. When using ArcMap, the tool adds the layer to the table of contents automatically.

• Learn more about adding x,y coordinate data to a map

• No environment settings affect this tool.

Command line syntax
An overview of the Command Line window
MakeXYEventLayer_management <table> <in_x_field> <in_y_field> <out_layer> {spatial_reference}

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
<table>	The table that contains the X and Y coordinates that define the location of the points in the layer.	Table View
<in_x_field>	The field in the table that contains the X coordinates.	Field
<in_y_field>	The field in the table that contains the Y coordinates.	Field
<out_layer>	The name of the point layer generated by Make XY Event Layer.	Feature Layer
{spatial_reference}	The spatial reference of the coordinates in the X and Y fields defined above. This will be the output layer's coordinate system.	Spatial Reference

Data types for geoprocessing tool parameters

Command line example

MakeXYEventLayer D:\tables81\xyevent\data\xy.mdb\places_utm11 latitude longitude places_socal spatial_reference1

Scripting syntax
About getting started with writing geoprocessing scripts
MakeXYEventLayer_management (table, in_x_field, in_y_field, out_layer, spatial_reference)

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
table (Required)	The table that contains the X and Y coordinates that define the location of the points in the layer.	Table View
in_x_field (Required)	The field in the table that contains the X coordinates.	Field
in_y_field (Required)	The field in the table that contains the Y coordinates.	Field
out_layer (Required)	The name of the point layer generated by Make XY Event Layer.	Feature Layer
spatial_reference (Optional)	The spatial reference of the coordinates in the X and Y fields defined above. This will be the output layer's coordinate system.	Spatial Reference

Data types for geoprocessing tool parameters

Script example

# MakeXYLayer.py
# Description: Creates an XY layer and exports it to a layer file
# Requirements: Python and the Python win32all extension.
# Author: ESRI
# Date 2/06/2004

# Create the Geoprocessor object
import arcgisscripting, sys, string, os
gp = arcgisscripting.create()

try:
    # Prepare the variables
    in_Table = r"\\bobmk\temp\xy.mdb\places_utm11"
    in_x = "latitude"
    in_y = "longitude"
    out_Layer = "places_socal"

    # Set the spatial reference
    # NOTE: you must have the "Coordinate Systems" turned on
    # To do this click tools/options and check "Coordinate Systems"
    # in the General Tab
    spref = r"Coordinate Systems\Projected Coordinate Systems\Utm\Nad 1983\NAD 1983 UTM Zone 11N.prj"

    # Make the XY event...
    gp.MakeXYEventLayer(in_Table, in_x, in_y, out_Layer, spref)

    # Print the total rows
    pDSC = gp.describe(out_Layer)
    print gp.getcount(out_Layer)

    # Save to a layer file
    gp.SaveToLayerFile(out_Layer, "D:/temp/places_socal.lyr")

except:
    # If an error occurred print the message to the screen
    print gp.GetMessages()

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