How to merge two point feature classes based on spatial location using ArcPy?

Question

I have two point feature classes, each containing about fifty points. These 2 point feature classes should be merged, or the points of feature class 2 added to feature class 1, as feature class 2 does not contain any information, but only the points itself.

But if the distance between a point of feature class 1 and feature class 2 is smaller than 50 meters, they should be merged to one point.

The figure should illustrate the problem

How can I do this programmatically (with an ArcPy script)?

One way I could think of is:

1. run buffer around feature class 1,
2. delete points from feature class 2 that fall into the buffer,
3. add remaining points of feature class 2 to feature class 1

How can I achieve this?

Answer 1

This is a point clustering problem. I would suggest to:

1. merge two datasets into one feature class (use "Merge or Append")
2. use "Grouping Analysis" tool to cluster the feature class
3. Use "Mean Center" tool to calculate the mean center of your points by setting the "Case Field" as the clusters field.

This workflow can be chained either using Python or ModelBuilder!