Using the batch files

For some applications, you may want more automation than simply using the geoprocessing tools. With some planning, batch files can be used to automatically execute workflow tools with no input from the user.

In this section, try executing example batch files to create source and derived mosaic datasets to help you manage Oregon County orthophotos. The first batch file will create two source mosaic datasets in \PreprocessedOrthos\MD\NAIP_Imagery_cmd.gdb; the second batch file will ingest both source mosaic datasets into a single derived mosaic dataset in the same location.

1. Open a Windows Explorer window, and navigate to the directory …\Image_Mgmt_Workflows\PreprocessedOrthos\BatchFiles\.
2. Double click the Generate_Source_MDs batch file. Click Run if prompted. A Windows Command Prompt will appear as the script creating the source mosaic datasets runs.
3. When the script is finished, the Command Prompt will read "Press any key to continue…." Hit Enter to exit the script.
4. Return to the Windows Explorer window with your batch files, and double click the Generate_Derived_MD batch file. Click Run if prompted. Another Command Prompt window will appear.
5. Hit Enter when the Command Prompt window reads "Press any key to continue…"
6. Open a blank map in ArcMap.
7. In the Catalog, navigate to …\Image_Mgmt_Workflows\PreprocessedOrthos\MD\NAIP_Imagery_cmd.gdb\ and click + to locate the derived mosaic dataset called D_NAIP_2yrs_ORStatePlane. Drag and drop the derived mosaic dataset into your map to see the results.

You have now used sample batch files to create source and derived mosaic datasets to better manage your preprocessed orthophotos. In the next section, you'll look at how to adapt these tools to your own datasets.