Changing query for layer does not change table inserted in layout using ArcMap

Question

I have a layer in the TOC, with a query on a field. Then in layout view, I insert the table to the layout.

When I change the query the table does not update automatically. Then I double click on the table, and now it is changed manually.

How can I change the table in the layout dynamically when I change the query?

I am using ArcMap 10.8

Answer 1

The dynamic table functionality that you seek is available in ArcGIS Pro as a Table Frame which you can see in Work with a table frame.

It is not available in ArcMap although, with a Production Mapping license, there is something akin to it, which is known as an Interactive Table. You can see them at Creating an interactive table.

Using ArcPy, you can use graphic and text elements to create pseudo-dynamic tables or table-like data frames with both ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro, but I consider that to be an advanced topic.

Answer 2

My preference is using 2nd dataframe, but this script will also work for basic tables. Just insert picture element and call it "myTABLE":

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import pandas as pd
# play with this
plt.figure(figsize=(8,1))
sourceFile = "f:/scratch/table.png"
tbl=arcpy.da.TableToNumPyArray("subc_5ha",("GRIDCODE","Shape_Area","SUBC_NAME","HA"))

df = pd.DataFrame(tbl)
data =  df.values
plt.axis("off")
plt.table(cellText=data, colLabels=df.columns, loc="center",fontsize=8)
plt.savefig(sourceFile)
plt.close()
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
for elm in arcpy.mapping.ListLayoutElements(mxd, "PICTURE_ELEMENT"):
    if elm.name == "myTABLE":
        try:elm.sourceImage = ""
        except: elm.sourceImage = sourceFile

Before:

After:

Script converts table to png raster/image and replaces source of the picture in existing picture. To make it work you need to change 3 lines of code:

plt.figure(figsize=(8,1))

these are dimensions (width =8', height = 1') of your table image.

sourceFile = "f:/scratch/table.png"

this is name of the image on disk.

tbl=arcpy.da.TableToNumPyArray("subc_5ha",("GRIDCODE","Shape_Area","SUBC_NAME","HA"))

first parameter here (subc_5ha) is name of the layer in the current mxd table of content, followed by list of fields (GRIDCODE,..HA) that you'd like to show. No Shape field though.

Add picture element to your layout and name it 'myTABLE':

Attach script to custom tool or run it from Python window. Check if table fits into element. If not modify figsize in line 1.

UPDATE:

It seems that using text element and prettytable Python module produces much nicer output:

Unfortunately ArcGis 10.8 doesn't want to work directly with that module, so workflow involves call to tiny external script. If of interest I can post it.

Answer 3

This seems to be a refresh issue of the table layout element. I don't know if this is by design.

I haven't found a way to automatically refresh the table, so you must do one of the following:

• Click the Refresh button below the layout: . But it looks as if this doesn't always work.
• Right click on the table element, select Properties (Or just double click) and click OK or Apply
• Close and reopen the mxd
• There may be other options...