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Python and ARCPY

This document provides an overview of using Python to write geoprocessing scripts for ArcGIS. It discusses ArcObjects and how they can be used to create custom tools, workflows and applications. It also covers importing and using common ArcPy modules like arcpy and arcpy.sa. The document includes examples of using ArcPy to perform geoprocessing tasks like buffer analysis, selecting features, and accessing workspace and data paths. It emphasizes that Python scripts are text files that can automate complex geospatial analysis and processing.

Uploaded by

Vijay Dubey
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
604 views

Python and ARCPY

This document provides an overview of using Python to write geoprocessing scripts for ArcGIS. It discusses ArcObjects and how they can be used to create custom tools, workflows and applications. It also covers importing and using common ArcPy modules like arcpy and arcpy.sa. The document includes examples of using ArcPy to perform geoprocessing tasks like buffer analysis, selecting features, and accessing workspace and data paths. It emphasizes that Python scripts are text files that can automate complex geospatial analysis and processing.

Uploaded by

Vijay Dubey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Writing Geoprocessing Scripts

With ArcGIS

Lecture 10

GIS System

ArcObjects

ArcObjects are the building blocks of ArcGIS. With


ArcObjects, you can create your own menus, tools,
workflows, applications, and custom feature classes
for use with ArcGIS.
ESRI ArcObjects is the development platform for
the ArcGIS family of applications, such as ArcMap,
ArcCatalog, ArcScene, ArcGIS Engine, and ArcGIS
Server. The ArcObjects software components expose
the full range of functionality available in ArcInfo,
ArcEditor, and ArcView to software developers
Can use VBA, Python, C++, Java to program

For ArcGIS 10 and Python 2.6.5:


import arcpy
Tells Python to import basic ArcGIS geoprocessing functionality
*****
from arcpy import env
Tells Python to import ability to control the ArcGIS Environment
*****
from arcpy.sa import *
arcpy.CheckOutExtension("Spatial")
Example: Tells Python to import functionality from ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
and a second command to get/check the Spatial Analyst license

env.workspace = "C:/Temp"

env.workspace

arcpy.Buffer_analysis ("C:/input/roads.tif", "C:/output/Output.gdb/buffer_output", 100)

arcpy.Clip_arc()

arcpy.Clip_analysis()

Always assign names


to custom toolboxes

env.workspace = "c:/basedata/roads.gdb"
arcpy.Select_analysis("nfroads", "paved", '[ROAD_CLASS] = "PAVED"')

Python uses forward slashes, different than Windows using back slashes

Double quotes pass text strings


Single quotes contain text strings intended to pass variable names

Python Basics

gdbPath = "C:/SouthAfrica.mdb"
fc = "Roads"
fullPath = gdbPath + "/" + fc

Variable index
Word =

Word[0]=H
Word[2:4]=lp
Word[:3]=Hel
Word[-2:-4]=el
Word[-3:]=lpA

"C:/Stockholm.mdb"

arcpy.Buffer_analysis

"C:/XY.txt"

Accessing Python modules

( "C:/student" )

( "C:/student/Streets.shp" )
( "C:/student/Streets.shp" )

returns "Streets.shp"
returns "C:/Student"

"C:/STUDENT" = "c:/StUdEnT"

arcpy.BUFFER = arcpy.buffer

Introduction to
Python and ArcGIS for
Geoprocessing Scripts
Lecture 10

Python: An open-source programming language

Many places for help, not just Python.org

Support comes in many languages

Search, and you will find many guides

Python as a first language

Python for Programmers

As with any language: Read the freaking manual

ArcGIS 10 installs Python 2.6.5

Only use ArcGIS 10 help / tutorials / examples


Version 9.3 is significantly different

Only use Python 2.6.5 help / tutorials / examples


Upgrading might break link with ArcGIS

ESRI created Python routines to automate GIS

Pick any ArcGIS tool - help is not helpful

Tool Help is much better

Scroll to bottom for sample Python script

Python scripts are text files with .py extension

Create new document, copy / paste text

For existing scripts, right click and edit with IDLE

IDLE displays color-coded script


(Don't need the Python Shell, close it)

Example
Get GIS data

Example
Downloaded, processed, and symbolized layers

Gulf Of Mexico outline, plus monthly Chlorophyll


concentration from Terra, SeaWiFS, and Aqua

Edit script to match data location and names

Setup
Run Python from Windows Command Prompt

Setup
Easier to create a customized shortcut

Setup
Start Command Prompt in same folder as script

Desktop and Command Prompt ready

Run... no feedback (maybe you like that)

Script created Mean datafiles

Open in ArcMap... unsymbolized

ArcPython does not like to overwrite files

Add status messages, create symbolize layer

Run again... feedback shows

Script created Mean datafiles and layer

Open in ArcMap... symbolized

Python and ArcGIS are powerful tools

Do not be fooled by simple problems described


and solved by scripts in beginner textbooks
Try manually processing multiple GB of data with
dozens of processing steps, EVERY DAILY

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