Make Building Layer (Data Management)

Summary

Creates a composite building layer from a dataset, either a BIM file workspace or a geodatabase dataset, such as the output of the BIM File To Geodatabase tool.

Usage

• The output building layer will be a composite layer representing a building or collection of structures as one complex layer.

• The input to the tool can be either a BIM file workspace or a single geodatabase dataset that contains multipatch feature classes.

• The output building layer will organize the included feature classes into standardized construction discipline layers: Architectural, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, and Piping. Unrecognized multipatch feature layer names will be added to the Architectural discipline layer of the resultant building layer.

• 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.

• 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 creates the equivalent of adding a BIM file workspace (Revit or IFC file) to an ArcGIS Pro scene.

• 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.

• 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.

Parameters

Dialog

Label	Explanation	Data Type
Input Feature Dataset	The input dataset from which the new building feature layers will be made. The building layer keeps the structure and the symbology grouped together.	Feature Dataset; BIM File Workspace
Output Layer	The name of the feature layer that will be created. The layer can be used as input to any geoprocessing tool that accepts a feature layer as input.	Building Layer

Python

arcpy.management.MakeBuildingLayer(in_feature_dataset, out_layer)

Name	Explanation	Data Type
in_feature_dataset	The input dataset from which the new building feature layers will be made. The building layer keeps the structure and the symbology grouped together.	Feature Dataset; BIM File Workspace
out_layer	The name of the feature layer that will be created. The layer can be used as input to any geoprocessing tool that accepts a feature layer as input.	Building 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

Current Workspace