Create Feature Dataset (Data Management)

Summary

Creates a feature dataset in the output location: an existing enterprise, file, or mobile geodatabase.

Usage

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

Parameters

Dialog

Label	Explanation	Data Type
Output Geodatabase	The enterprise, file, or mobile geodatabase where the output feature dataset will be created.	Workspace
Feature Dataset Name	The name of the feature dataset to be created.	String
Coordinate System (Optional)	The spatial reference of the output feature dataset. On the Spatial Reference Properties dialog box, you can select, import, or create a new coordinate system. To set aspects of the spatial reference, such as the x,y-, z-, or m-domain, resolution, or tolerance, use the Environments dialog box. Note: This parameter is optional, but providing a value is recommended. To edit the data in a feature dataset, a spatial reference is required.	Spatial Reference

Derived Output

Label	Explanation	Data Type
Output Feature Dataset	The new output feature dataset.	Feature Dataset

Python

arcpy.management.CreateFeatureDataset(out_dataset_path, out_name, {spatial_reference})

Name	Explanation	Data Type
out_dataset_path	The enterprise, file, or mobile geodatabase where 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 before using this tool, such as sr = arcpy.SpatialReference("Sinusoidal (Africa)"), which you then use as the spatial reference parameter. Note: This parameter is optional, but providing a value is recommended. To edit the data in a feature dataset, a spatial reference is required.	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.management.CreateFileGDB("C:/output", "HabitatAnalysis.gdb")
arcpy.management.CreateFeatureDataset("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"

# Create a spatial reference object
sr = arcpy.SpatialReference("C:/data/studyarea.prj")

# Create a file geodatabase for the feature dataset
arcpy.management.CreateFileGDB("C:/output", "HabitatAnalysis.gdb")

# Run CreateFeatureDataset 
arcpy.management.CreateFeatureDataset(out_dataset_path, out_name, sr)

Environments

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