Error when running arcpy.mapping code as toolbox script

[ScottOatley]

Hello,

The following code works fine when I copy and paste it to the python command window.

import arcpy

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0]
df.name

It produces the following errors when I run the script in the Python shell (F5) and similar errors if I try to use it as a script from a toolbox.

Traceback (most recent call last):
File "C:\gisdata\python\test.py", line 3, in <module>
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
File "C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\ArcPy\arcpy\arcobjects\mixins.py", line 441, in __init__
super(MapDocumentMethods, self).__init__(mxd)
File "C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\ArcPy\arcpy\arcobjects\_base.py", line 47, in __init__
for arg in args))
RuntimeError: Object: CreateObject cannot open map document


Is there something special I need to add/setup etc, to run in those other modes?

Never mind. I figured out that I didn't have the "Always run in foreground" check box selected as needed when using "CURRENT".

Thanks,
Scott

[FreddieGibson]

Although you identified that script tools using the CURRENT keyword can only be run in the foreground, please note that when creating a MapDocument object you will only want to ONLY use the CURRENT keyword if you're working from within ArcMap via a Script Tool or the Python window.  If you attempt to create a MapDocument object outside of ArcMap (i.e. ArcCatalog, a Python IDE, etc.) with the CURRENT keyword you will receive a similar runtime error.  When working in an environment outside of ArcMap you will want to reference the file path to the mxd instead of using the CURRENT keyword.

[RaresRotar]

Thank you for the clarification, concerning CURRENT and REFERENCE FILE PATH!

[krishmandali]

@Freddie Gibson, I am writing a small automation to create a view, register the view in Geo database and publish it as a service. So far good with creating a view and register with Geo database but I am trying to save the mxd before publishing it and its not working out. I saving the registered view in following ways and not working

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("C:\GIS\testfile.mxd") 

Error: AssertionError: Invalid MXD filename.

------------------------------------------------------------

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")


Error : RuntimeError: Object: CreateObject cannot open map document

[SithikSabithaAbdulkani]

Thank you very much

[SethPaine1]

I get this error running from ArcMap 10.5 when when I insert my script tool into a ModelBuilder model.  Both the original script tool and the ModelBuilder tool are set to run in the foreground.  I do not get the error if I use the script tool outside of ModelBuilder.

[RebeccaStrauch__GISP]

Seth, I would recommend starting a new question post/thread.  INclude a few more details, the exact error and if possible, the python code in question following https://community.esri.com/people/curtvprice/blog/2014/09/25/posting-code-blocks-in-the-new-geonet?s...‌

also, you can tag other groups with the @ and the group name like @modelbuilder

[krishmandali]

I am writing a small automation to create a view, register the view in Geo database and publish it as a service. So far good with creating a view and register with Geo database but I am trying to save the mxd before publishing it and its not working out. I saving the registered view in following ways and not working

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("C:\GIS\testfile.mxd") 

Error: AssertionError: Invalid MXD filename.

------------------------------------------------------------

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")


Error : RuntimeError: Object: CreateObject cannot open map document