Introduction to Geoprocessing Scripts using Python

Course Description

This two-day ESRI course, taught by an ESRI-Authorized Instructor, introduces the Python scripting language and shows how it can be used to access and automate geoprocessing functionality in ArcGIS. Students first learn basic Python scripting syntax, then begin writing scripts to automate geoprocessing operations. Students also learn how to incorporate Python scripts as custom tools in ArcToolbox.

This course contributes to one of the ESRI Training and Education Learning Pathways.

Learning Objectives

• 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 enumerations into scripts.
• Work with scripts in ArcToolbox.
• Access resources for debugging Python code.

Topics Covered

• The geoprocessing framework: ArcToolbox; Dialogs; Models; Command line; Scripts.
• The basics of Python: Variables; Commenting code; String concatenation; Looping; Conditional statements; Modules.
• Accessing tools and environment settings in scripts: The Geoprocessor ArcObject; Accessing the Geoprocessor from Python; Accessing tools and environment settings from Python.
• The Geoprocessor object: The Geoprocessor Programming Model, the Geoprocessor (GpDispatch) object.
• The describe objects: Access various properties for different data types (e.g., feature classes, workspaces, datasets, raster datasets, etc.).
• The enumeration objects: Create lists of data (e.g., tables, rasters, feature classes, workspaces, fields, feature datasets, etc.).
• The cursor objects: Search cursors; Insert cursors; Update cursors.
• Incorporating scripts into the geoprocessing framework: Scripts as tools; Scripts in models.
• Finding and fixing errors: Python error handling; Identifying syntax and logical errors.

Course Prerequisites

Students taking this class should have completed Introduction to ArcGIS I (or Learning ArcGIS Desktop) or have equivalent knowledge. Additional experience with ArcGIS or Introduction to ArcGIS II is desirable. Familiarity is also required with basic programming concepts, such as using loops and conditional statements.

Course Fees

Regular pricing for this course is $750 per student. Faculty, staff, or students affiliated with the University of Hawai`i system or other educational institutions receive a 40% discount. Volume registration discounts are available for organizations registering five or more students for the same class.

Registrants working in the health, public health, emergency planning, or emergency response fields can take the course at the federally-subsidized price of $150. (Funding provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Grant No. T01HP6427-0100.)

Instructor

Phil Page, MA  ( bio )

Questions?

Contact the course instructor if you have any questions about the course content or prerequisites.