String output as an input dataset variable

Question

I have a model which creates topology with rules and validate itself. But I got used to working with layers in TOC and have a script in Calculate value tool that with a help of Parse path tool make a string output with feature dataset path in. Here is a script:

def GetPath(lyr):
    import os
    mxd=arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
    target=arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd,lyr)[0]
    return target.dataSource

And here is a part of model I want to be working.

Unfortunately, Create topology tool requires path not to some output value or variable, but probably direct file path. That is a reason for crashing of model due to the non-existance of dataset parameter.

Anyway is it possible to make an Input Feature dataset as a variable which records a path from string data? In my case it should be like %FDS%.

Answer 1

1. Set Calculate Value output to be FeatureDataset
2. Remove Parse path tool
3. Replace you code with the following:

def GetPath(lyr):
    import arcpy,string
    mxd=arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
    featureLayer=arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd,lyr)[0]

    # Get FULL path
    path = featureLayer.dataSource

    # Get FeatureClass name
    fc = featureLayer.datasetName

    # Get index position of featureclass name in full path, -1 strips off \
    idx = string.rfind(path,fc) - 1

    # Return FeatureDataset
    return path[:idx]

4. Connect tool to create Topology tool