ESRI

GIS Programming 101: Mastering Python for Geoprocessing in ArcGIS

Course Materials Updated for ArcGIS Version 10 

This course is designed to teach the fundamental programming constructs of the Python language and how it can be integrated with ArcGIS Desktop to automate geoprocessing tasks.  Course participants will be led through a series of 13 modules described below.

Module 1: Getting Started with Python in ArcGIS
Module 2: Basic Python Language Features
Module 3: Introduction to ArcPy
Module 4: Environment Settings
Module 5: Accessing Geoprocessing Tools and Functions
Module 6: Tool Results, Messaging, and Error Handling
Module 7: Using the ArcPy Mapping Automation Module
Module 8: Creating Lists of GIS Data
Module 9: Getting Descriptive Information about GIS Data
Module 10:  Using Cursor to Select, Edit, and Add Records to Tables and Feature Classes
Module 11: Miscellaneous ArcPy Class
Module 12: Licensing and Extensions
Module 13:  Geoprocessing History

What You Learn in this Course

• Python language fundamentals
• How to read and use the Geoprocessor Object Model Diagram in your scripting tasks
• Use the PythonWin integrated development environment
• Integrate ArcToolbox and custom tools into your Python geoprocessing scripts
• Retrieve and create messages from the geoprocessor
• Gracefully handle errors in your scripts
• Obtain descriptive information about your GIS data
• Search for data in your feature classes and tables
• Insert, update, and delete data from feature classes and tables
• Read and write feature geometry in feature classes
• Create lists of data in your script for further geoprocessing
• Create custom script tools that can be integrated with ArcToolbox and shared with others in your organization
• Schedule scripts to run after hours
• Obtain historical geoprocessing information

GISCI Education Credit: 80 Hours 

Next Session
October 25th - November 19th

Online Registration
October 25th - November 19th
$567 when you register by Sept. 15

Purchase by Email, Fax, Regular Mail
Registration Form

This is an instructor guided course taught in a Virtual GIS Classroom using the same technologies implemented by colleges and universities around the world to deliver Internet based courses. Our new Virtual GIS Classroom blends the best of instructor led and e-learning formats into a new instructor led web based format that allows for more interactivity between the instructor and student, and between students. The Virtual GIS Classroom Internet platform has the following features for each course:

• Audio and video lectures
• Video software demonstrations
• Supporting exercises and data
• Class forums and chats
• Upload and download of course assignments and exercises
• Course wikis
• Supplemental reading materials
• Quizzes
• Glossaries
• Peer assessment
• Much more!

The biggest difference in this course and our other offerings is that it is an instructor guided course. Where our traditional products have been in a CD/download, self-paced format this new course will feature a lot of interaction between student and instructor. There will be chat sessions, discussion groups, exercise review with the instructor, and at least two phone meetings between student and instructor to discuss your progress. In addition, there will be interaction among students as well through discussion groups.

Software Requirements
ArcGIS Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo), PythonWin (packaged with ArcGIS Desktop)

Who Should Attend?
This course is geared toward all levels of GIS professionals who need to automate ArGIS geoprocessing tasks. No programming experience is necessary though it is helpful to have some knowledge and or experience of programming concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What software do I need to purchase for the course?
You do need a copy of ArcGIS Desktop. This can be either ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo.

Are there any particular times when I need to be present in the class?
No, this course is completely self paced and we typically have people from around the world in classes of this type so we don’t have a specific time period when you need to be present.  These classes are designed for individuals who need high level training, but on a flexible schedule.  The course is open through a secure server 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We do schedule a weekly chat session which is a good opportunity for everyone to come together to discuss the course.  This session is not mandatory though. 

What happens if I don’t finish in the allotted time?
Although the course is scheduled to finish within a 4 week timeframe you do have access to the course site for a full year which allows for ample time to finish the courses and review as necessary.

How will I interact with the instructor if I have questions or problems?
You will have access to the course instructor through chat, email, discussion boards, and phone.  Our policy is to answer all questions within 24 hours, but during weekdays we normally respond within an hour.  Chat sessions are scheduled for the entire class once per week, and you can also schedule one on one chat sessions for private interaction with the instructor.

In what format is the course delivered?
The course is delivered through a secure Internet site that requires registration.  All lectures are delivered via a Flash format that contains both audio and video lecture materials.  In addition, software demonstrations are provided and we also ship you a bound hard-copy of all lecture notes.  Exercises are delivered though the course site in Adobe (PDF) format.  All exercises access data through the Internet. 

What will I receive upon completion of the course?
Upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate of completion which can be used for education credits toward your GISP certification through GISCI.

Do I need programming experience to complete the course?
While some programming experience is certainly helpful, we provide a good foundation for the beginning programmer with this course.  Python is a good language to learn for beginners.

Do I receive any hardcopy materials?
Yes, we send out bound hard-copies of all the lecture notes (approximately 250 pages in this case).