How To: Capture map coordinates with a mouse click using Python

Summary

Prior to ArcGIS 10.1, Python could not be used to interact with the ArcGIS interface. Now Python Add-ins give users the ability to create Python written tools that respond to a mouse click.

The instructions provided describe how to set up Python Add-in code to capture coordinates with a mouse click.

Procedure

Note:
Please note, using this feature requires familiarization with the use of the Python Add-ins Wizard. Refer to the Python Add-in Guide Book found in Related Information for information on making add-ins. Click the 'ArcGIS Help 10.1 - What is a Python add-in?' link to get started.

1. Install the Python Add-in Wizard and start a project. Go through the wizard to create a new toolbar and a subsequent new tool.
2. Open the Python script that is generated for the add-in and find the tool class that was added in Step 1.
3. The function 'onMouseDownMap' passes the map's coordinates to the add-in. Delete all the other functions (def).
   
   The code should look similar to this:
   

   Code:
   import arcpy
   import pythonaddins
   
   class MC(object):
       """Implementation for MouseClickSample_addin.MCtool (Tool)"""
       def __init__(self):
           self.enabled = True
           self.shape = "NONE" # Can set to "Line", "Circle" or "Rectangle" for interactive shape drawing and to activate the onLine/Polygon/Circle event sinks.
       def onMouseDownMap(self, x, y, button, shift):
           pass
    

   
   
4. Use the x and y variables to pass the coordinate information into the tool.
   
   The following code example shows a message box with the coordinates.
   
   

   Code:
   import arcpy
   import pythonaddins
   
   class MC(object):
       """Implementation for MouseClickSample_addin.MCtool (Tool)"""
       def __init__(self):
           self.enabled = True
           self.shape = "NONE" # Can set to "Line", "Circle" or "Rectangle" for interactive shape drawing and to activate the onLine/Polygon/Circle event sinks.
       def onMouseDownMap(self, x, y, button, shift):
           message = "Your mouse clicked:" + str(x) + ", " + str(y)
           pythonaddins.MessageBox(message, "My Coordinates") 

   
   
   The results:
   
   
   

Related Information

• 10.1 Help: Tool Class
• 10.1 Help: Creating a Python Add-in Tool
• Python Add-in Wizard
• ArcGIS Help 10.1 - What is a Python Add-in?