I'm trying to create a listGeodatabases() method, simular to the gp.listxx-family. All works fine, except this: I can't differ a *.mdb created by Access from those created by ArcCatalog. gp.describe(databasePath).DataType always returns 'Workspace'.
I don't believe there is any difference between the MS Access databases. If it's created by esri or if it's create my MS Access, it's all the same file. The difference is that a spatial database has a specific set of tables in it.
You can try using a library like pyodbc and look at the tables in the database. If it has the spatial tables, then you know it's a spatial personal geodatabase.
Another solution too, would be to use file geodatabases to store spatial data instead of personal geodatabases.
I don't believe there is any difference between the MS Access databases. If it's created by esri or if it's create my MS Access, it's all the same file. The difference is that a spatial database has a specific set of tables in it.[....] Another solution too, would be to use file geodatabases to store spatial data instead of personal geodatabases.
Unfortunatly my script is operating in folder with unknown content. And in each GDB of this folder one FeatureClass has to be created to summerize something. DBs created with Access causes an error.
You can try using a library like pyodbc and look at the tables in the database. If it has the spatial tables, then you know it's a spatial personal geodatabase.
That's a good solution. I try this hint and perhaps I can announce a solution.
Why not just try to create that feature class, and if it doesn't work, just assume it's an access db. Something like:
mdb_list = gp.ListWorkspaces('*', 'Access')
for each mdb in mdb_list:
try:
gp.CreateFeatureClass(your_arguments)
except WhateverExceptionYouGetWithWrongTypeOfMDBs:
pass # Just ignore (or maybe you should log something)
Why not just try to create that feature class, and if it doesn't work, just assume it's an access db. Something like:
mdb_list = gp.ListWorkspaces('*', 'Access')
for each mdb in mdb_list:
try:
gp.CreateFeatureClass(your_arguments)
except WhateverExceptionYouGetWithWrongTypeOfMDBs:
pass # Just ignore (or maybe you should log something)
This seems error-prone and potentially very slow.
ESRI should provide a built-in method to determine whether an MDB file is a PGDB or a regular Access database.
That will still return true for both personal geodatabases which are Access-based and use the .mdb file extension, and plain Access MDB databases which are not geodatabases.
