Setting Layer Properties Using ArcPy

Question

I am writing an ArcPy script that creates a Point Density Raster file, and then changes the following properties in the resulting layer:

1. Symbology

   Classified

   Classes = 10

   Classification Method = Geometrical Interval

   Excluded Value = 0

2. Display

   Resample during display using: bilinear interpolation

I know I can set lyr.symbology.numClasses = 10. and lyr.symbology.excludedValues = 0, and even create a dummy layer with the above properties (symbologyLayer) and arcpy.ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management(lyr, symbologyLayer). Is there a way to do this simply by setting attributes of lyr.symbology, do I have to do it in one fell swoop with ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management, or is there a better way?

Answer 1

If you're writing a geoprocessing script, I'd recommend authoring a .lyr file you bundle with your toolbox and set the symbology in the script tool parameters to point to the .lyr file (see the "Symbology" part of the dialog).