Q: How do I create a model in ArcGIS that can be run more than once?

Answer

ModelBuilder allows you to develop a workflow of commands used for your methodology. This workflow can be saved and shared on different machines and with other users so that a process that would normally comprise multiple steps is collapsed into one tool.

1. In ArcCatalog, expand the Toolboxes menu, right click on My Toolboxes, and select New > Toolbox to create a new toolbox for your model(s).
2. Right click on your new toolbox and click New > Model. This will open your new model's window automatically.
3. Drag the first tool in your workflow from ArcToolbox into your model window. If you don't know the location of a tool, you can use the Search window.
4. Double click on the tool in your model window to change its parameters. You can create a temporary subfolder to store intermediate outputs from your model if you don't want your work folder to become too cluttered. Clicking OK in a given tool's dialog box doesn't run the tool; rather it saves the parameters in your model.
5. When selecting input feature classes for a tool, you can choose feature classes that are already in your model by choosing ones that have a blue recycling icon next to them.
6. To run your model, go to File > Run. The final output won't automatically add to your map, so you have to manually do so.

Note: You can add your toolbox to ArcMap by right clicking on the name ArcToolbox when that window is open and clicking Add Toolbox.

Further Resources:

• ESRI: A quick tour of ModelBuilder

See Also

• ArcGIS Landing Page

Created by MIT GIS Services. Email gishelp(at)mit.edu for more assistance.