Introduction to Geoprocessing Scripts Using Python

Overview

The ArcGIS geoprocessing framework includes a scripting environment, and Python® is the scripting language included with ArcGIS. This course introduces the Python scripting language and shows how it can be used to access and automate geoprocessing functionality. You learn Python scripting syntax, then begin writing scripts to automate geoprocessing operations. You also learn how to incorporate Python scripts as custom tools in ArcToolbox.

Goals

  • Understand the basics of the Python scripting language.
  • Understand how scripts can be used in the ArcGIS geoprocessing framework.
  • Incorporate tools and environment settings into scripts.
  • Incorporate cursors, describe objects, and list objects into scripts.
  • Work with scripts in ArcToolbox.
  • Access resources for debugging Python code.

    Audience

    This course is designed for experienced ArcGIS users who want to learn how to automate everyday processes or create complex analytical scripts. ARC Macro Language (AMLTM) and AvenueTM programmers who want to write scripts for ArcGIS will also find the course of interest.

    Prerequisites and Recommendations

    Completion of ArcGIS Desktop 2: Tools and
    Functionality and ArcGIS Desktop 3: GIS Workflows and Analysis is required. Basic programming skills, such as using loops and conditional statements, are also required.