Introduction

The ArcPy mapping module is new to ArcGIS 10 and brings some really exciting features for mapping automation, including the ability to manage map documents and layer files as well as the data within these files. Support is provided for automating map export and printing, for the creation of PDF map books and publication of map documents to ArcGIS Server map services. This is an incredibly useful module for accomplishing many of the day-to-day tasks performed by GIS analysts.

In this chapter, you will learn how to use the ArcPy mapping module to manage map documents and layer files. You will learn how to add and remove geographic layers and tables from map document files, insert layers into data frames, and move layers around within the map document. Finally, you will learn how to update layer properties and symbology.