- background processing
- processing in the foreground
- performance considerations
You can control whether the tool runs in the foreground or background with a single clickgeoprocessing>geoprocessing optionsexiststandardtoolbar.
arebackground processingIn the panel you determine whether the tool runs in foreground or background mode.
- metswitchWhen checked, the tool runs in the background and you can continue to use ArcMap (or other ArcGIS applications such as ArcGlobe) while the tool is running. At the bottom of the document you will see a progress bar with the name of the currently active tool. When the tool has finished working, a pop-up notification will appear in the system tray. you can movereportslider or disable the message by moving it all the way to the left.
- metswitchIf disabled, the tool will run in the foreground. When a tool is running in foreground mode, you must wait for the tool to stop working before continuing with other work.
background processing
When you open the tool's dialog box or thePythonwindow, you will see the progress of the tool, as shown in the image below.
You can also use theresultwindow. ThatresultThe window can be opened by:
- Openresultclick on the windowgeoprocessing>result.
- Click on the status bar at the bottom (pictured above)cardopen windowresultThe currently active tool window.
- Click on success or failure pop-up message to openresultThe window immediately displays the tool's run messages.
While a tool is running in the background, you can use the tool's dialog box to run more tools. Only one tool runs in the background; all other tools are suspended (waiting to run). Once a tool has finished running, the next running tool will start running.
You cannot start an editing session if tools are running in the background. If tools are running in the background, a message box appears stating that the editing session cannot be started. You must allow any geoprocessing tool running in the background to complete (or cancel) before starting an editing session.
Use background processing when you arePythonwindow,PythonThe window cannot be used until the tool is completed.
Custom templates and scripting tools run in the foreground by default
Your custom templates and scripting tools run in the foreground by default, even if you enable background processing. In order for your custom tool to run in the background, you need to do two things:
- Make sure your tools meet the guidelines inRun custom tools (template or script) in the background.
- Right click on your custom template or script tool and clickfunction.existIn generaltab, uncheckalways in the foreground.
Affected ArcMap layers are locked when the tool is running in the background
When the output of a geoprocessing tool is a layer on a map (such asSelect layer by attributetool) or the tool modifies the input data (such asAdd fieldtool or any other tool on itEdit toolbox), the layer is locked while the tool is running. A lock icon appears above the layer in the summary to indicate that the layer is locked for processing. If you refresh the map view while a layer is locked, the layer will not be drawn. After the tool finishes processing, the map view is updated and you can continue working on the layer.
Cancel a tool that is running in the background
To cancel running a tool in the background, open itresultwindow and locate the currently active tool (an hourglass or processing clock icon is next to it). Right-click on the result and clickCancelThis method can also be used to cancel pending jobs that have not yet been executed.
When a tool receives a cancel instruction, it tries to clean itself, delete all the data it created, and issue a warning message. Depending on the type of cleaning job the tool is performing, it may take some time to cancel.
System tools can run in the foreground even if the background is enabled
Tools sometimes run in the foreground even with background processing enabled:
- When you edit data, all geoprocessing tools run in the foreground. ArcGIS runs all tools in the foreground, even if the data you're editing isn't used by geoprocessing tools. This prevents a situation where tools running in the background modify the data you are editing.
- When you open a ModelBuilder window and run a model, all processes in the model run in the foreground. Working in the ModelBuilder window is similar to an editing session. Each process runs in the foreground to prevent situations where workflow changes can lead to unwanted results.
- some system tools likeUpdate geodatabaseThe tools always run in the foreground due to blocking and data integrity requirements. Other system tools can run in the foreground if they need access to the current map document.
Use in-memory workspaces with background processing
In-memory workspaces share many of the same properties as file geodatabases, but there are significant differences in how resources and grids are held in memory. While the application is running, data is stored in the internal memory (RAM) of the system. Using an in-memory workspace generally improves performance because the system does not have to write to disk. Consider the following when using in-memory workspaces for background processing:
- Background processing is a separate process from ArcMap or ArcCatalog. These processes cannot share memory (RAM). When a tool is running, the data it uses must be accessed by a background process. Therefore, the input function class is opened directly by the background process, but the layer in ArcMap must follow a different path. For example, suppose you have an input point feature layer in ArcMap and you want to buffer the points with output that is written to a workspace in ArcMap's memory. runshock absorberThe tool is in the background, the input sources are written to disk, the background process reads them from disk to memory,shock absorberhas been executed,shock absorberIt then writes the output to its own workspace in memory in the background and then writes the output to disk so that ArcMap can put the output from the read buffer back into its own workspace in memory. The result of all this is that there is almost no performance benefit in using a single tool that writes output to a workspace in memory. However, models or scripts that run multiple tools and write their intermediate data to an in-memory workspace will process faster because there is no need to transfer data between two different in-memory workspaces. So instead of running ArcMap one tool at a time while using background processing, you create a template or script for your workflow.
- The majority ofto maketools likegdb fileeCreate resource classIt takes two input parameters (a desktop and a name) to export the new output. With these tools you can enterin memoryas a workspace. However, when running in the background, the newly created outputs will always return the result as a location on disk, even ifin memoryUsed as a workspace. These tools are best used as part of a workflow in ModelBuilder or in a Python scripting tool, where working space is available in memory while the tool is running.
Exit the app while the tool is waiting or running in the background
In ArcMap (or ArcGlobe or ArcScene) you can exit and save the document while the tool is running or crashing. When terminated, all running tools are stopped. The status of active and pending tools changes to inactive in the saved documentresultwindow. These entries have hollow icons and can be run by right-clicking and clicking the resultto repeat.
Tools that were running or suspended when you exited ArcCatalog immediately stop. Tool results are moved todo not runpapierresultwindow. The tool can be run again in the same way as mentioned before.
processing in the foreground
When background processing is disabled, the tool runs in the foreground and you must wait for the process to complete before using the app again. Once the tool starts working, a progress dialog will appear as shown in the image below. ClickdetailShow runtime messages.
Warning messages appear as green text in tool messages, preceded by WARNING followed by a numeric code. A warning means that the output may not be what you expect. In the case shown in the image below, the tool created an empty output. The number code is a hyperlink - you can click on it for a full description of the warning and possible solutions.
Error messages are displayed in red text preceded by ERROR followed by a numeric code.
Once the tool runs and the progress window closes, you can click the buttonresultwindow.
Cancel a tool running in the foreground
While running the tool, you can click the buttonCancelButton in the progress window.
When a tool receives a cancel instruction, it tries to clean itself, delete all the data it created, and issue a warning message. Depending on the type of cleaning job the tool is performing, it may take some time to cancel.
performance considerations
Background processing can be thought of as another ArcMap session running on your computer, but without an ArcMap window open. This additional process (session) begins when the tool first runs in the background and continues until you exit the ArcMap session. When the background process starts, you will notice a slight delay in running the first tool.
When working with large data sets, some geoprocessing tools, especially those that make use oftile processing, which requires as many computer resources as possible (memory and CPU). If the utility sent for background processing fails due to insufficient memory ("Error "000426: Out of memory" or error "999998: Unexpected error"), try the following:
- Identify and close unnecessary memory-intensive apps.
- Disable background processinggeoprocessing optionsdialog box (geoprocessing>geoprocessing options). This will close the background process and free up resources.
- Run the utility again.
Following the procedure above bypasses background processing; the additional background process is not started and the resources it would consume are now available to your tool. Do not launch memory intensive applications while the tool is running.
related topics
- Background Geoprocessing (64-bit)
FAQs
What is the difference between foreground and background processing? ›
Foreground and background processes. Processes that require a user to start them or to interact with them are called foreground processes. Processes that are run independently of a user are referred to as background processes. Programs and commands run as foreground processes by default.
What is the background process in ArcGIS? ›The Background processing panel is where you control whether a tool executes in foreground or background mode. If Enable is checked, tools execute in the background, and you can continue working with ArcMap (or other ArcGIS applications, such as ArcGlobe) while the tool executes.
How do you repair data source in ArcMap? ›- In the Contents pane of a map, right-click the dataset, and click Properties.
- On the Source tab, click Set Data Source.
- On the dialog box that appears, browse to the data source, select it, and click OK.
Generally speaking, the foreground is what leads the viewer into the image. The middleground guides the viewer further into the image. The background keeps the viewer's eye from wandering out of the frame.
What is the use of foreground and background? ›The foreground contains the applications the user is working on, and the background contains the applications that are behind the scenes, such as certain operating system functions, printing a document or accessing the network.
How do I know which background processes are needed? ›You can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager in Windows 10. In Task Manager window, you can tap Process tab to see all running applications and processes incl. background processes in your computer.
What is background processing used for? ›Background processing lets you move long-running or resource-intensive program runs to times when the system load is low. It also lets you delegate to the system the task of running reports or programs.
How do background processes work? ›Background processes are mini-programs that perform a specific task on your computer. They run without user input and are designed to complement other programs. These programs monitor your system, schedule updates, run backups, and provide other essential services.
How to clear cache ArcMap? ›Caches being used by basemap layers cannot be cleared while in use. To clear the cache, remove the basemap layers from the map. If you normally draw maps for only a few areas, such as your agency's local study area, the cache won't become really large, because the tiles you draw will likely already be in your cache.
How do I remove the background from raster? ›Navigate to Table > Raster > Adjust Image Styles (32-bit version) or TABLE tab > Raster dropdown > Adjust Image Styles. This will bring up the Adjust Image Styles dialog. Enable the checkbox for 'Transparent'. Click on the 'Select Color' button and select a background colour pixel to make transparent.
How do I recover a corrupted shapefile? ›
- Use the Check Geometry geoprocessing tool. ...
- Run the Repair Geometry tool. ...
- Export the data to a geodatabase, then copy it to a new shapefile.
- Select all or a subset of the features and export the selected features to a new shapefile or feature class.
- If the data is on a network drive, copy it to a local drive.
- Close all ArcGIS applications.
- Rename the %APPDATA%\ESRI folder to another name, for example, ESRI-old.
- Restart ArcGIS.
There are primarily four types of errors in a GIS database: positional, temporal, attribute, and logical. Logical error refers to the inconsistency of relationship among different features presented in a database. It is usually manifested through other types of errors.
Should you do background or foreground first? ›The benefit to painting the background wash first is that you are less likely to mess up the foreground object. For instance, if you were to carefully paint in the subject first (say, a red rose) and then paint in the background, you would risk getting the background paint on the rose, which might mess it up.
What do you call between foreground and background? ›The middleground is the space within a composition between the foreground and the background. In the shot composition above, it is the yellow-outlined space, which you can see juxtaposed against the red foreground (the obstructive bars) and the out-of-focus background.
How important is the foreground over the background in design? ›It gives the eye a starting point to work into other layers of the image. Foreground elements are also a good opportunity to use sight lines to guide the viewer's eye to something in the middle ground or background.
What are the advantages of foreground background multitasking? ›The advantage of the foreground-background algorithm is that it gives the process the opportunity to execute immediately after its creation, but scheduling in the background list is pure round-robin scheduling.
What are the advantages of foregrounding? ›Thus, foregrounding is a very useful tool in language to affect the reader's understanding and appreciation of language. In general, this is the most obvious advantage of foregrounding theory in language and literature. Foregrounding can also be important in translation.
What background processes should I turn off? ›- Calculator - Calculator.exe. ...
- 2. News and Interests - NewsAndInterests.exe. ...
- Gaming Services - gamingservices.exe. ...
- OneDrive - OneDrive.exe. ...
- CTF Loader - ctfmon.exe. ...
- Phone Link - PhoneExperienceHost.exe. ...
- Groove Music - GrooveMusic.exe. ...
- Update Services - Various.
Standard limit is 20 background processes.
How many background processes should I have? ›
Typically, a healthy Windows system will have around 60-70 processes running, but this can vary greatly depending on what programs are running and what the system is being used for. It is not uncommon to see over 100 or even 200 processes running on a system with many programs installed or running background tasks.
What is an example of a background process? ›Examples of this include downloading or uploading large media files. Running these as a background process can prevent the tasks from slowing down the performance of the UI. They are also great for tasks that require little to no user interaction such as logging, system monitoring, scheduling and user notification.
Which of the following is background processing useful for processing? ›Background processing is useful when a process-intensive task or automation is required. Executing tasks in the background allows users to continue the case or other work and improves system scalability and performance.
How do you make a process a background process? ›Processes that are run independently of a user are referred to as background processes. Programs and commands run as foreground processes by default. To run a process in the background, place an ampersand (&) at the end of the command name that you use to start the process.
Which command is used to view only background processes? ›You can use the ps command to list all background process in Linux.
How long does background process take? ›A criminal background check generally takes between one to three business days, but can be returned much faster depending on the database that is being search, such as the National Criminal Database.
Which of the following commands will run as a background process? ›The bg command is used to resume a background process.
How do I make a GIS layer transparent? ›Open the map in Map Viewer. Click Details and click Contents. , click Transparency, and move the transparency slider to the left (less transparent) or right (more transparent). If you own the map, click Save to save the transparency setting to the map.
What happens when you make a layer in a map transparent? ›Changing the transparency, or opacity, of a layer in a map allows you to see more or less of the underlying layers. The transparency of any layer can be adjusted from 0 percent to 100 percent. The more transparent a layer is, the less visible it appears on the map and the more visible the other layers appear.
What does the dissolve tool do in Arcmap? ›What is the Dissolve Tool? The Dissolve Tool unifies adjacent boundaries based on common attribute values. Only if neighbor polygons have the same dissolving attribute, then it melts the boundary into one.
How to do a hard cache clear? ›
Hold down Ctrl and click the Reload button. Or, Hold down Ctrl and press F5.
What is map cache in ArcGIS? ›Map caching is a way to make your map and image content render faster. When a dynamic map image layer is requested to be rendered, the server fetches the map image layer's primary content from the database or file system directory and applies cartographic elements on it at runtime.
How do I remove background design? ›On the toolbar, select Picture Format > Remove Background, or Format > Remove Background.
How do I remove a background in design? ›You just select your object. Now go to the Object>Clipping Path>Option Now from this window change your Type Click drop down menu select Detect Edges. But it is a simple clipping path to remove a background from an image in InDesign.
What is raster background vs vector background? ›Vector graphics are digital art that is rendered by a computer using a mathematical formula. Raster images are made up of tiny pixels, making them resolution dependent and best used for creating photos.
What is the difference between foreground and background processing in SAP? ›Foreground Processing: The processing wherein the execution of a program preempts the use of the processing system. Background Processing: Background processing does processing program that does not require user's interaction.
What is the difference between background and foreground IP? ›Background IP: any knowledge/IP supplied to the development team(s) / partner(s) at the start of an innovation project or collaboration. Foreground IP: knowledge/IP produced by the development team(s) / partner(s) during the project's duration.
What is the difference between background and foreground suppression? ›In background suppression mode, the Bulletin 44B changes its output state when it 'sees' reflected light from the target; in foreground suppression mode, it uses the background as a reflector and changes its output state when a target blocks this reflector.
Why is there a run time difference between foreground and background process that is running the same program? ›The reason is that when a program runs in foreground, it occupies a dialog work process and uses limited resources. But when a job runs in background, it uses a background work process which has more resources.