GIS Tutorial for Python Scripting (GIS Tutorials) - Softcover

Allen, David W.

3.6

5 ratings by Goodreads

9781589483569: GIS Tutorial for Python Scripting (GIS Tutorials)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1589483561 ISBN 13: 9781589483569

Publisher: Esri Press, 2014

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GIS Tutorial for Python Scripting uses practical examples, exercises, and assignments to help students develop proficiency using Python� in ArcGIS� GIS Tutorial for Python builds upon previously acquired GIS skills and takes them to the next level with the use of Python. Knowledge of Python� a key tool for scripting geoprocessing functions and tasks in ArcGIS for Desktop� is expanded through hands-on programming geared to automating GIS applications. Exercise data is provided, and instructor resources are available.

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From the Author:

This book was a labor of love ... it's something I'm passionate about and a book that I really enjoyed writing. The first chapter includes Python code that everyone who uses ArcGIS should be doing - even if you don't consider yourself a programmer. Python is really that simple to learn and use and the benefit you will gain is tremendous.

Then the next chapters teach you how to write stand-alone scripts and script tools. These can be run outside ArcGIS, or included on menus and run inside ArcGIS giving you a lot of flexibility on user interaction, or even scripts that can be run unattended.

One of the coolest parts is the chapter on the ArcPy mapping module. You can control every aspect of a map layout and there's even a tutorial on building custom map books. You'll have more control and build better map books that you can using the Data Driven Pages tools in ArcMap.

I've also included TONS of hands-on tutorials and exercises because that's the best way to learn coding. The more you work with the Python scripting language, the easier it is to write more scripts. There's even some techniques I developed for making tools that can interact with your map - not typically done because scripts normally can't ask you to make selections in the map.

Chapters four and five have a very comprehensive look at Python Toolboxes and Python Add-Ins. These look very daunting when you see examples run, but I've broken each down into bite-sized chunks that are easy to understand. Follow the steps, build them piece by piece, and in the end you'll have a pretty impressive application! The data validation techniques included in the Python Toolboxes and Python Add-Ins are priceless and are a great way to steer the user to the correct processes and avoid user errors.

In addition, each tutorial has a section called "Scripting Techniques" that goes over many different techniques that are valuable to you but that I just couldn't get into the tutorials. For instance, one tutorial includes many list handling techniques that you'll practice and the Scripting Techniques sections shows many more that you may want to use in your own scripts later. There's also a Tool Index in the back that notes all the tools and topics in the book and where to find them again. This is valuable when you need to reference a tool for a custom script.

When you complete all the tutorials and exercises in this book, you can truly call yourself a Python for ArcGIS programmer!

From the Inside Flap:

The data and sample scripts necessary to complete the work in this book are available for download at:
esripress.esri.com/bookresources/index.cfm?event=catalog.book&id=8
You can get a 60 day free trial of software from:
esri.com/software/arcgis/arcgis-for-desktop/free-trial

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