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Output Spatial Grid 1, 2, 3

Release 9.3
Last modified December 17, 2008
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The spatial index grid is a two-dimensional grid system that spans a feature class, similar to the locator grid you might find on a common road map.

It is used to quickly locate features in a feature class that might match the criteria of a spatial search. Careful creation of a spatial index will increase the efficiency of your spatial searches. If you are unfamiliar with creating spatial index grids, use the default value provided, as creating a poorly defined grid will increase the time needed to complete a spatial search.

One to three 2D grids (also referred to as grid levels), each with a distinct cell size, are created for a file geodatabase feature class or an ArcSDE geodatabase feature class. The first, or lowest, grid level has the smallest cell size. Set the cell sizes of the other grids to 0 if you only want one; otherwise, set each level at least three times larger than the previous level.

Only one grid level is created for personal geodatabases.

A suggested grid size is given based on the spatial reference, average feature size, and number of features in the input feature class. The suggested grid size is only an approximation. You can determine the optimum grid size for any feature class by examining the data and the needs of the application querying it.


Usage tips




Command line syntax

An overview of the command line window

OutputSpatialGrid <cellsize_value>


Parameters Explanation Data type
<cellsize_value> Numeric value for grid cell size Double

Data types for geoprocessing tool parameters

Command line example



SpatialGrid1 50
SpatialGrid2 200
SpatialGrid3 0



Scripting syntax

An overview of scripting in geoprocessing

OutputSpatialGrid (cellsize_value)


Parameters Explanation Data type
cellsize_value (Required) Numeric value for grid cell size Double

Data types for geoprocessing tool parameters

Script example



import arcgisscripting
gp = arcgisscripting.create()

gp.Workspace = "h:/workspace"
gp.SpatialGrid1 = 50
gp.SpatialGrid2 = 200
gp.SpatialGrid3 = 0


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