Preface

ArcGIS, the GIS software from industry leader ESRI, allows for the analysis and presentation of geospatial data.

The integration of Python into ArcGIS has made the ArcPy module an important tool for GIS students and professionals. The ArcPy module provides a powerful way to improve productivity when performing geospatial analysis. From basic Python scripting through advanced ArcPy methods and properties, ArcPy and other Python modules will improve the speed and repeatability of any GIS work flow.

This book will guide you from basic Python scripting to advanced scripting tools. It focuses on geospatial analysis scripting and touches on automating cartographic output. By the end of this book, you will be able to create reusable modules, add repeatable analyses as script tools in ArcToolbox, and export maps automatically. By reducing the time-consuming nature of GIS from days to hours, one GIS professional can become as powerful as a whole team.