Python – An Introduction

Clinton Dow, Jibin Liu

Agenda

ArcGIS
Python

• What is Python? • ArcPy and Geoprocessing

• Why Learn Python? • Writing Python scripts for
• Python Use Cases Geoprocessing
• Intro to Python Syntax • Python in Esri products
• Writing and executing
Python Scripts
What is Python?
What is Python?
• Python is an open-source programming language
- Released in 1991 by Guido Van Rossum
- Interpreted – no compilation
- Interactive – REPL (Read, Evaluate, Print Loop)
- Object-oriented
• Integrated into ArcGIS
- Geoprocessing Scripts
- Python Window
- Field Calculator Expressions
• Desktop and Web GIS
- arcpy
- ArcGIS Python API
What is Python?

• “Python is an easy to learn, powerful language… (with) high-level data structures and a
simple but effective approach to object-oriented programming. Python’s elegant syntax
and dynamic typing…make it an ideal language for scripting…in many areas and on most
platforms.” – python.org

• A “Batteries Included” Language

• Large Ecosystem of Open-Source
Packages
• Great community (Conferences,
User Groups, Online…)

[1] https://www.python.org
Why Learn Python?
Why Learn Python?

• Accessible to new-comers • A Versatile Language

- Top language for intro CS courses - “Glue” language that works with
Operating System, Server and the Web
• Large demand in multiple industries
• Extend the capabilities of ArcGIS
• Create your own geoprocessing tools
- Utilize third-party and/or open-source
- Create suite of custom tools
code in your scripts
- Suit client’s needs better than generic tools
- Built-in package management
- Scheduling tasks
• Automate repetitive tasks
- Saves time and money
- Frees up analysts for non-trivial work
Should I Learn Python 2 or Python 3?

• ArcGIS Desktop • ArcGIS Pro

- ArcGIS 10.5 - Python 2.7.12 - ArcGIS Pro 2.0 - Python 3.5.3
- Maintaining Existing Tools - New functionality of Python and ArcGIS
- Extending functionality of ArcMap, - Asynchrony
ArcCatalog - Reduced Memory Footprint
- End of Official Support in 2020 - In active development
Resources to Learn Python

• Websites
- Python.org
- Beginner’s Guide
- Language Reference
- Learnpython.org
- Pluralsight.com
• Esri Training
- Free and Paid Courses
• Books
- Python Scripting for ArcGIS
- Learning Python, 5th Edition
Where is Python Used?
• Examples include:

- Data Analysis
- Entertainment
• Examples include:
- Web Applications

- Entertainment
• Examples include:
- Web Applications
- Data Analysis
Python Syntax
 • Math Calculations
Introduction to • Variables
•
Python Syntax: •
Built-in Data Structures and their operations
Conditions
•
Demo •
Loops
Import libraries
Python Scripting
Executing Python Scripts

• What is Python File (.py)?

- A text file with .py extension, which python interpreter can read the
instructions and execute them.
- Recommended Syntax defined in Python Enhancement Proposal 8 (PEP8)
• Where to write the .py file?
- Text editor (notepad), Python IDLE, other IDEs
• How to execute the .py file?
- Double-click the .py file
- Command line (python <path to .py file>)
- IDEs
- ArcGIS
- System Service
- Web Service
Python Building Blocks

• Module: a Python file where functions live (.py)

• Package: a collection of related modules
• Function: a defined piece of functionality that
performs a specific task; requires arguments
• Class: a blueprint to create an object
Executing Python
• Double-click Python File
Scripts: Demo • From Command Line
ArcPy and Geoprocessing
 2017
Python in Esri

2015
• Python in Esri products

- Anaconda
2010
- ArcGIS Python API

2004
Python in Esri Conda embedded in Pro since 1.3

• “Conda is an open source package

• Python in Esri products management system and environment
- arcgisscripting management system for installing multiple
versions of software packages and their
- ArcPy
dependencies and switching easily between
them.” -- http://conda.pydata.org/docs/
- ArcGIS Python API

• Conda solves limitations in core Python

infrastructure
- Handling dependencies
- Locating, compiling Python libraries
- Managing multiple Python versions
Python in Esri Script and automate your Web GIS

• A pythonic library to interoperate with Esri Web

• Python in Esri products GIS Products
- arcgisscripting • Designed to integrate with the Jupyter
- ArcPy Notebook, an increasingly popular tool for
- Anaconda academics and data scientists.
Python in ArcGIS Desktop vs. ArcGIS Pro

Feature ArcGIS 10.x ArcGIS Pro

Python 2 √
Python 3 √
Python Window √ √
Python Script Tools √ √
Python Add-Ins √
Conda Package Manager √
Debugging Experience √ Coming soon
ArcGIS Python window

• Both Desktop and Pro have an embedded, interactive Python command line
• Access to Python and modules within ArcGIS applications
• Interact with maps and layers directly with Python code
ArcPy

• Access point to ArcGIS functionality through Python

- Desktop, Server, Engine, and Pro

1. Geoprocessing tools
2. Functions like ListFeatureClasses, Describe
3. Classes like Polygon, SpatialReference, FieldMap
4. Modules
a) Mapping: arcpy.mapping / arcpy.mp
b) Data access: arcpy.da
c) Map algebra: arcpy.sa
d) Network Analyst: arcpy.na
ArcPy - functions

• An ArcPy function for many

operations in ArcGIS UI

• Interact with ArcGIS Tool Dialogues

• Describe existing datasets

• Information about installation

ArcPy - Classes

• Python objects representing major

base classes in ArcGIS.

• Extend ArcGIS objects for use with

other systems.

• Customize behaviors of objects

within your scripts.
ArcPy - Geoprocessing environment settings

• Control the processing environment of the tools you run

- “Global” Environment Variables
- See tool help for honored environments
• Productivity and code cleanup
• Environments are properties on arcpy.env (over 50)
ArcPy - Batch processing

• Automating a process to run multiple times

- Clip every feature class in a geodatabase to a common boundary
- Calculate statistics for every raster in a folder

• List functions used in Python to perform batch processing

- Also arcpy.da.Walk
ArcPy - Batch processing (ListFeatureClasses)
ArcPy - Getting data properties

• Describe functions reads data properties

- Like the properties window when right-click on the data

• Returns an object with properties like:

- Data type
- Shape type
- Spatial reference
 • Open and execute python commands in ArcGIS
ArcGIS Python Python Window
• ArcPy : environment setting
Window and ArcPy: • ArcPy : batch processing
• ArcPy : getting data properties
Demo
Run geoprocessing tools

• import arcpy

• Follow tool syntax

- arcpy.toolname_toolboxalias(parameters)
or
arcpy.toolboxalias.toolname(parameters)

• How do I use a specific tool?

- Tool help page
- Copy as Python Snippet
- help(arcpy.Buffer_analysis)
Writing a Python • Build Python script for geoprocessing tools
script to chain
geoprocessing tools:
Demo
Geoprocessing tool messages

• Three types of messages

- Informative, warning, error

• Displayed in ArcMap / Pro

- Results
- Messages window
- Python window

• To access messages in Python

- arcpy.GetMessages()
- arcpy.AddMessage()
- arcpy.AddWarning()
Troubleshooting

• Why do errors occur?

- Incorrect tool use, typos, syntax,
logic errors

• My script doesn’t work?

- Examine the messages
- Use Python exception handling
- Debug the script in an IDE
Further Learning at Esri UC 2017:
Tues Wed Thurs Fri
Python: An Introduction 8:30am 1:30pm
Python: Beyond the Basics 10:15am 3:15pm
Python: Building Geoprocessing tools 1:30pm 9:00am
ArcGIS: Integrating Python and Conda 1:00pm
Python: Exploring the Ecosystem 12:30pm
Python: ArcPy Tips and Tricks 1:30pm
Working with Python in ArcGIS Pro 10:00am
Python - Tips and Tricks for Working with Cursors 4:00pm
Troubleshooting Python Issues in ArcGIS Desktop 1:30pm
Network Analysis using Python 3:30pm
Python: Raster Analysis 8:30am
Building Python Raster Functions 10:30am
Getting Started With Map Algebra Using the Raster Calculator and Python 9:30am
Python: Introduction to Map Automation 1:30pm
Python: Map Automation in ArcGIS Pro 3:15pm
Python - Tips and Tricks for Working with Arcpy Mapping 12:00pm
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