How can you work with networks in ArcGIS Pro using Python?

1 What are networks in GIS?

Networks are collections of interconnected features that represent real-world systems, such as transportation, hydrology, or utilities. Networks have attributes, such as direction, length, speed, or capacity, that define how they function and how they can be traversed. Networks can be used for various analysis tasks, such as finding the shortest or fastest route, calculating service areas, or modeling network flows.

2 How to access network data in ArcGIS Pro?

ArcGIS Pro supports two types of network data: geometric networks and network datasets. Geometric networks are used to model simple connectivity and flow direction of features, such as water or gas distribution. Network datasets are used to model complex routing and network analysis, such as travel time, impedance, or turn restrictions. To access network data in ArcGIS Pro, you need to use the arcpy module, which is a Python library that provides access to the ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing tools and functions. You can import the arcpy module in your Python script or in the Python window of ArcGIS Pro.

3 How to create network datasets in ArcGIS Pro?

To create a network dataset, you need to have a feature dataset that contains the network features, such as roads or rivers. You can use the Create Network Dataset tool in the Network Analyst toolbox to create a network dataset from the feature dataset. The tool allows you to specify the network attributes, such as speed, elevation, or restriction, and the network hierarchy, such as functional class or road type. You can also use the arcpy.na.CreateNetworkDataset function to create a network dataset programmatically. For example, the following code creates a network dataset from a feature dataset called Roads in a file geodatabase called Transportation:

import arcpy
arcpy.na.CreateNetworkDataset("C:/Transportation.gdb/Roads", "Road_Network")        

5 How to add and solve network analysis layers in ArcGIS Pro?

To add and solve network analysis layers in ArcGIS Pro, you need to use the arcpy.na.AddLocations and arcpy.na.Solve functions. The AddLocations function allows you to add network analysis objects, such as stops, facilities, incidents, or demand points, to the network analysis layer. You can add these objects from feature classes, tables, or point geometries. The Solve function allows you to run the network analysis and generate the output, such as routes, service areas, directions, or allocation zones. You can specify the output location and format using the arcpy.env.workspace and arcpy.env.overwriteOutput properties. For example, the following code adds two stops from a feature class called Stops and solves the route analysis layer:

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/Transportation.gdb"
arcpy.env.overwriteOutput = True
arcpy.na.AddLocations("Route_Layer", "Stops", "C:/Transportation.gdb/Stops")
arcpy.na.Solve("Route_Layer", "Route_Result")        

6 How to modify and customize network analysis in ArcGIS Pro?

To modify and customize network analysis in ArcGIS Pro, you can use the arcpy.na.GetNAClassNames, arcpy.na.GetSolverProperties, and arcpy.na.SetSolverProperties functions. The GetNAClassNames function allows you to get the names of the network analysis classes, such as Stops, Barriers, or Lines, that are associated with the network analysis layer. The GetSolverProperties function allows you to get the solver properties, such as impedance, restrictions, or U-turn policy, that are used for the network analysis. The SetSolverProperties function allows you to set the solver properties to change the network analysis parameters. For example, the following code changes the impedance attribute from Length to TravelTime and the U-turn policy from At Dead Ends to No U-Turns for the route analysis layer:

import arcpy
naClasses = arcpy.na.GetNAClassNames("Route_Layer")
solverProperties = arcpy.na.GetSolverProperties("Route_Layer")
solverProperties.impedance = "TravelTime"
solverProperties.uTurnPolicy = "NO_UTURNS"
arcpy.na.SetSolverProperties("Route_Layer", solverProperties)        

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?