Arcpy - Loop through a feature class and create Euclidean Distance for every feature

Question

I am trying to use SearchCursor to loop through a feature class and create a Euclidean Distance raster dataset for every feature in that feature class. This ED raster dataset will be used for further analysis. However, I got this error message which I cannot solve. Can anyone explain or help please.

cursor = arcpy.SearchCursor(Tank_Location_Data)

for row in cursor:

    arcpy.gp.EucDistance_sa(row, "50", "1", "#")

Error message:

arcpy.gp.EucDistance_sa(row, "50", "1", "#")
  File "c:\program files (x86)\arcgis\desktop10.2\arcpy\arcpy\geoprocessing\_base.py", line 498, in <lambda>
    return lambda *args: val(*gp_fixargs(args, True))
RuntimeError: Object: Error in executing tool

Answer 1

Firstly, I'd recommend using the search cursor in the data access module, arcpy.da.SearchCursor instead of the one you are using. It's much more efficient.

Secondly, the Euclidean distance tool doesn't work on individual rows of a dataset. You'll have to create a feature class for each record. You can do this by creating a temporary feature layer for each record. Try MakeFeatureLayer.

Answer 2

I think you are using the incorrect modules in your code.

First off, you need to switch over to the Data Access module for cursors - arcpy.da.SearchCursor: http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/analyze/arcpy-data-access/what-is-the-data-access-module-.htm

You don't have to switch, but the da cursors perform better.

Second, the current method to call Euclidean Distance is to import arcpy.sa and then use this syntax:

EucDistance_sa (in_source_data, {maximum_distance}, {cell_size}, {out_direction_raster}, out_distance_raster)

You will also need to check out the spatial analyst extension in your script unless you are running from ArcMap with the extension already checked out.

Docs: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/tools/spatial-analyst-toolbox/euclidean-distance.htm