Python is an open source scripting language that can be used independently or within ArcGIS to automate geoprocessing and map creation tasks. It allows users to easily share and expand geoprocessing tools. Python code can be written in various integrated development environments (IDEs) or text editors and then run to create and automate workflows, extend existing tools with custom logic, write new tools, and access other modules to analyze geospatial data. Online training resources are available to help users learn Python scripting.

2. What is Python
 Open source scripting/programming
language
 Not compiled, uses interpreter
 Slower performance
 Faster development
 Executes independently
or inside ArcGIS
 Can be run as scheduled
task or batch job
 Can be packaged as ArcTool, Add-in, Toolbox
 Modular language, available functionality
depends on loaded libraries

3. Python in ArcGIS = Arcpy
 Used to automate geoprocessing and
map creation
 Easily share tools
 Expand native tools

4. How does Python work?
 Write some code:
 Where?
○ Integrated Python Window, IDE
○ Popular IDE: IDLE, PythonWin, PyScripter
○ Code Editor: Bluefish, ConTEXT, Notepad ++
○ Model Builder*
○ Pre-written code – Arcpy café, other users, ect…
 What?
○ Create and automate workflows
○ Extend tools to include logic
○ Write you own tools
○ Access other module to analyze your data
○ Python Toolbox

5. How does Python
work…cont.
 Run Code:
 How?
○ Add script to a toolbox
○ Attach script to a custom toolbar button
○ Schedule using Windows Scheduler
○ Run from IDE
○ As a toolbox
○ Expand logic in custom labels

6. Online training
 Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python and ArcGIS
David Wynne and Jason Pardy
http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/de
vsummit11/papers/tech/hitchhikers_guide_to_
python_and_arcgis.pdf
 Python Scripting I
http://funnel.sfsu.edu/students/parkere/Course
s/Students/Shirin%20Leclere/Fall2012%20Cla
sses/GIS112_SL/lectures/Python_scripting_I.p
pt
 Learning to Program
http://www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/alan.gauld/t
utcont.htm

7. Map

8. Text

9. Textbox

10. expression

11. code

12. IDLE

13. NotePad ++

14. PyScripter

15. PythonWin

16. Python Window