Using custom Python tool to change closed mxd?

Question

I am trying to convert a Python script I've made into a tool to make it easier for people not familiar with Python to use.

The job of the script is to take a template mxd with the background layers and layout view already made and upload a CSV to it and run a series of analysis and export a map.

I was wondering if it was possible to create a tool that could work inside of a closed mxd, or if that could only be done through Python.

Python script code snippet:

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r'Template mxd')
df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0]


# adds all background layers
addLayer = arcpy.mapping.Layer(r"background layer 1")
arcpy.mapping.AddLayer(df, addLayer,"BOTTOM")

addLayer = arcpy.mapping.Layer(r"background layer 2")
arcpy.mapping.AddLayer(df, addLayer, "BOTTOM")

... more layers added ...


# Change coordinate system

prjPath = "c:\program files (x86)\arcgis\desktop10.2\Coordinate Systems\Projected Coordinate Systems\Continental\North America\Canada Lambert Conformal Conic.prj"
spatial_ref = arcpy.SpatialReference(prjPath)
df.spatialReference = spatial_ref


#upload excel file and display x/y coordinates

arcpy.env.workspace = r"Template mxd"
arcpy.TableToTable_conversion(outLayer, table2table, "temp")

x_coords = "Longitude"
y_coords = "Latitude"
out_Layer = "outLayer"
prjPath2 = "c:\program files (x86)\arcgis\desktop10.2\Coordinate Systems\Geographic Coordinate Systems\North America\NAD 1983.prj"
arcpy.MakeXYEventLayer_management (in_Table, x_coords, y_coords, out_Layer, prjPath2)

arcpy.SaveToLayerFile_management(out_Layer, saved_Layer)
addLayer = arcpy.mapping.Layer(saved_Layer)
arcpy.mapping.AddLayer(df, addLayer, "BOTTOM")

This isn't the full code but it's just a sample and hopefully it shows what I mean when I say a closed (not currently open) mxd.

Answer 1

You can just add the script as a script tool to any toolbox, or integrate it into a Python Toolbox.

How to add a script tool to a toolbox: ESRI Help

Python Toolbox Intro: ESRI Help

You'll just need to make sure your script is appropriately set up to accept the required parameters from the toolbox dialog, and of course set up the dialog to have your parameters passed to the script.

Without knowing more details about your existing code, it's difficult to give a better answer.