ArcGIS Course Description - Introduction to GeoProcessing Scripts using Python (ArcView, ArcEditor, ArcInfo)

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. Students learn Python scripting syntax, then begin writing scripts to automate geoprocessing operations. Students also learn how to incorporate Python scripts as custom tools in ArcToolbox.

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 (AML™) and Avenue™ programmers who want to write scripts for ArcGIS will also find the course of interest.

GOALS

Those completing this course will be able to:

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 (Click here for a detailed table of contents)

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.

PREREQUISITES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Students should have completed ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality, or have equivalent knowledge. Basic programming skills, such as using loops and conditional statements, are also required.

SOFTWARE USED IN THE COURSE

Although a lot of the functionality is available from within ArcView or ArcEditor, this course is designed to work with the following software:

ArcGIS Desktop	Version
ArcInfo	9.2
Other
PythonWin	2.4

Schedule and registration information:

	Open Enrollment Classes	Client-Site Group Classes
	Best for individuals or small groups	Minimum of five trainees
	Classes will be offered throughout Virginia	Your facility
	With Edgetech's equipment	Your equipment or Edgetech's
	Preset schedule starting in 2009	Your schedule, starting in 2009
	Individual rate or use training credits (volume pricing)	Group rate or use training credits
	Lets Edgetech know you are interested & Where you are located	Schedule your group class

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