Programming ArcGIS 10.1 with Python Cookbook

Over 75 recipes to help you automate geoprocessing tasks, create solutions, and solve problems for ArcGIS with Python

Overview

• Learn how to create geoprocessing scripts with ArcPy
• Customize and modify ArcGIS with Python.
• Create time-saving tools and scripts for ArcGIS.

In Detail

ArcGIS is an industry standard geographic information system from ESRI.

This book will show you how to use the Python programming language to create geoprocessing scripts, tools, and shortcuts for the ArcGIS Desktop environment.

This book will make you a more effective and efficient GIS professional by showing you how to use the Python programming language with ArcGIS Desktop to automate geoprocessing tasks, manage map documents and layers, find and fix broken data links, edit data in feature classes and tables, and much more.

“Programming ArcGIS 10.1 with Python Cookbook” starts by covering fundamental Python programming concepts in an ArcGIS Desktop context. Using a how-to instruction style you’ll then learn how to use Python to automate common important ArcGIS geoprocessing tasks.

In this book you will also cover specific ArcGIS scripting topics which will help save you time and effort when working with ArcGIS. Topics include managing map document files, automating map production and printing, finding and fixing broken data sources, creating custom geoprocessing tools, and working with feature classes and tables, among others.

In “Python ArcGIS 10.1 Programming Cookbook” you’ll learn how to write geoprocessing scripts using a pragmatic approach designed around an approach of accomplishing specific tasks in a Cookbook style format.

What you will learn from this book

• Fundamental Python programming skills.
• Update layer properties and symbology.
• Automate map production, printing, and the creation of PDF map books.
• Find and fix broken data links in your map document files.
• Create custom geoprocessing tools that can be shared with others.
• Schedule your geoprocessing scripts to run after hours.
• Create new feature classes or tables and add records, as well as edit feature classes and tables.
• Customize the ArcGIS Desktop interface with Python add-ons.

Approach

This book is written in a helpful, practical style with numerous hands-on recipes and chapters to help you save time and effort by using Python to power ArcGIS to create shortcuts, scripts, tools, and customizations.

Who this book is written for

“Programming ArcGIS 10.1 with Python Cookbook” is written for GIS professionals who wish to revolutionize their ArcGIS workflow with Python. Basic Python or programming knowledge is essential(?)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of the Python Language for ArcGIS
Chapter 2: Writing Basic Geoprocessing Scripts with ArcPy
Chapter 3: Managing Map Documents and Layers
Chapter 4: Finding and Fixing Broken Data Links
Chapter 5: Automating Map Production and Printing
Chapter 6: Executing Geoprocessing Tools from Scripts
Chapter 7: Creating Custom Geoprocessing Tools
Chapter 8: Querying and Selecting Data
Chapter 9: Using the ArcPy Data Access Module to Select, Insert, and Update Geographic Data and Tables
Chapter 10: Listing and Describing GIS Data
Chapter 11: Customizing the ArcGIS Interface with Add-Ins
Chapter 12: Error Handling and Troubleshooting
Appendix A: Automating Python Scripts
Appendix B: Five Things Every GIS Programmer Should Know How to Do with Python