Delete layer from ArcMap using Python

Question

Problem:

• I'm trying to loop through all my layers looking for layer named "CADAnnotation".
• If the layer exists then remove the layer from the mxd

Notes:

• Running from Stand-Alone script (ie. NOT within Arcmap)
• "CADAnnotation" Data Type is a CAD Annotation Feature Class
• "CADAnnotation" is NOT in a geodatabase, it's created from a AutoCAD .dwg
• "CADAnnotation" is within a Group Layer named "ACAD"
• If the group layer "ACAD" can be deleted that also removes "CADAnnotation" that would be great.

Code thus far:

for item in mxds:
    print (item)
    mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(item)
    df=arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd,"Project Area")[0]
    for lyr in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "*",df):
        if lyr.name == "CADAnnotation":
            print(lyr.dataSource)
            arcpy.Delete_management("CADAnnotation")
            print("Layer Deleted")
        else:
            pass

Notes on Code:

• I can find the layer no problem
• the line arcpy.Delete_management("CADAnnotation") does not work throws an error.

Question:

• How to I remove "CADAnnotation" and/or "ACAD" group layer?

Answer 1

Do you want to actually delete the layer from the geodatabase or remove it from the mxd?

If you just want to remove the layer from your mxd, replace arcpy.Delete_management("CADAnnotation") with arcpy.mapping.RemoveLayer(df, lyr)

If you want to delete the data source you can do this.

for item in mxds:
   print (item)
   mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(item)
   df=arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd,"Project Area")[0]
   for lyr in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "*",df):
      if lyr.name == "CADAnnotation":
         arcpy.mapping.RemoveLayer(df, lyr)
         print(lyr.dataSource)
         arcpy.Delete_management(lyr.dataSource)
         print("Layer Deleted")
      else:
         pass