HOW TO

Use AML scripts in the ArcGIS 9.x Desktop environment

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to use AMLs developed with older ESRI software in the ArcGIS 9.x Desktop environment.

Note:
To create script tools from AMLs you must have access to an ArcInfo license and have ArcInfo Workstation installed on your computer.


Before Beginning
There is an initial step which must be completed before AMLs can be set up as a script tool.

Most systems do not recognize the program(s) that run an .aml file. For an AML to be added as a script tool, the system must know to open ArcInfo Workstation and run the '&run' command, such as arc: &run MyAml.aml. ESRI provides a tool for updating the system registry so that it knows what to do. After the tool is run, use the 'Add Script Tool' wizards to add the AML as a script tool.

Procedure

AMLs that are run as script tools must be capable of running from the “Arc” prompt. For example, if the AML only runs in GRID, make sure to add a line in the AML that starts GRID before running the rest of the program.

Continue with the following steps:

  1. Browse to ...\\ArcGIS\ArcToolbox\Scripts.
  2. Find and double-click on the file called RegisterAmlAsExecutable.reg.
  3. When prompted about adding this information to the registry, Click Yes.
    [O-Image] AddInfoToRegAndPath
  4. Create a new toolbox by right-clicking in the ArcToolbox window and selecting 'New Toolbox'.
  5. Right-click on the toolbox created in the previous step and select Add > Script. This starts the Add Script wizard.
  6. Add Script Wizard:
    Wizard Page 1: Name and describe the new script tool, and click Next.

    Wizard Page 2: Browse to the location of the AML and click Next.

    Wizard Page 3: Set up the input/output parameters and options and click Finish.

    For more help using the Add Script wizard, see the online documentation at: > Geoprocessing > Geoprocessing in the ArcGIS environment > Working with toolsets and tools > Creating models and adding scripts.

  7. If the AML is still not working, please consult the Knowledge Base document, Problem: AML script tools do not run after running RegisterAMLasExecutable.reg, from the Related Information section below.

Article ID:000006933

Software:
  • ArcMap 9 x

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