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Geoprocessing with Python

Image 1: Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows the user to load a GIS layer and enter a weight percentage.

Image 2: Python script that takes the GIS layers and weight percentages entered in the GUI and runs the analysis on the data.

Image 3: Final output layers indicating the ideal parcels to purchase based on the data entered by the user.

Skills: Python Scripting, Spatial Data & Algorithms, GIS Workflow

When faced with repetitive tasks, assorted steps and short deadlines in a GIS environment; knowledge of and the use of a Python script is a time saving and valuable tool.

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This course was an introduction to the Python programming language and its use in manipulating and analyzing geographic data. Overall this course covered:

  1. Principles and good practice in computer programming

  2. Python language

  3. Manipulating and analyzing geographic information with Python

  4. Scripting with Python in ArcGIS

  5. Python toolkit, databases, and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)

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This project focused on the creation of a GUI that a user would interact with by entering GIS layers and assigning a weight percentage to each layer to be analyzed. A Python script uses the input data from the GUI and runs the following steps for the analysis:

  1. Calculate the Euclidean Distance for each parameter

  2. Reclassify the Euclidean Distance into thirds (1, 2 or 3)

  3. Convert the Reclassified Euclidean Distance of each parameter to a Weighted Overlay Table

  4. Convert the Raster to a Polygon

  5. Use the polygon to select parcels by location

  6. Categorize parcels to Apartments, Condos or Other

  7. Display the categorized parcels in a new mxd

 

This project demanded the acquisition of python scripting knowledge and skills through: online python courses, extensive online research, ESRI help and other resources. Parsing the script and overcoming obstacles for this project; is a significant skill set acquired and a must for a GIS professional.

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