Key Features

• Become a more efficient GIS professional by automating your geoprocessing tasks with Python and ArcGIS Desktop
• In addition to the fundamentals, learn advanced, in-demand GIS skills sought by many employers
• Step-by-step recipes that provide real-world solutions to common geoprocessing tasks

Book Description

ArcGIS Desktop is the leading desktop solution for performing GIS tasks. The ArcPy site package enables Python programmers to access the GIS functionality provided by ArcGIS Desktop to automate geoprocessing tasks. Whether you are new to ArcGIS or a seasoned professional, you almost certainly spend time each day performing various geoprocessing tasks. This book will teach you how to use the Python programming language to automate these ArcGIS Desktop geoprocessing tasks and make you a more efficient and effective GIS professional.

The book begins with the fundamentals of starting to use Python with ArcGIS, followed by recipes on managing map documents and layers, including how to find and fix broken data links in these files. The focus then shifts to automation of map productions and finding, retrieving, and executing geoprocessing tools.

In the second part of the book, you will learn to create custom geoprocessing tools and how to use the Attribute and Location tools to select specific features. Next, the book covers usage of the ArcPy Data Access Module, along with various key aspects of geoprocessing.

The third part of the book covers topics for advanced users including the REST API, and also teaches you to use Python with ArcGIS Pro. The book finishes with appendices covering how to automate Python scripts, and the five things that should be at the back of every GIS programmer’s mind.

What you will learn

• Manage your map document files, layer files, feature classes, and tables
• Programmatically update layer properties and symbology
• Find and fix broken data links in your map document files
• Automate map production, printing, and the creation of PDF map books
• Develop custom geoprocessing tools that can be shared with others
• Query and select data from feature classes and tables
• Create new feature classes or tables and add, update, and delete records
• Customize the ArcGIS Desktop interface with Python add-ins

About the Author

Eric Pimpler is the founder and owner of GeoSpatial Training Servicesand has over 20 years of experience implementing and teaching GIS solutions using ESRI, Google Earth/Maps, and various open source technologies. Currently, Eric focuses on ArcGIS scripting with Python and the development of custom ArcGIS Server web and mobile applications using JavaScript.

Table of Contents

1. Fundamentals of the Python Language for ArcGIS
2. Managing Map Documents and Layers
3. Finding and Fixing Broken Data Links
4. Automating Map Production and Printing
5. Executing Geoprocessing Tools from Scripts
6. Creating Custom Geoprocessing Tools
7. Querying and Selecting Data
8. Using the ArcPy Data Access Module with Feature Classes and Tables
9. Listing and Describing GIS Data
10. Customizing the ArcGIS Interface with Add-ins
11. Error Handling and Troubleshooting
12. Using Python for Advanced ArcGIS
13. Using Python with ArcGIS pro