Tag Archives: Video

ArcGIS 10 provides a new Python
mapping module (arcpy.mapping) that allows you to interact with the contents of
map documents and layer files without necessarily needing to interactively open an
ArcMap session.  The methods, properties and functions available in this
new map scripting API enable you, for example, to automate changing data
sources, modify layer properties, export and print maps, as well as automate the
creation of
thematic maps and map series.  Because the new mapping module is part of
the ArcPy geoprocessing framework, scripts can be used within ArcGIS Desktop
but can also be published to ArcGIS Server as geoprocessing services making
it much easier to make mapping and printing capabilities available on the
server.

The following links are resources
that will help you learn more about arcpy.mapping, get access to popular
sample scripts available for download, and
links to new training resources:

Help Resources

• A new Introduction to
  arcpy.mapping help topic is a great starting point. It includes
  links to a new arcpy.mapping tutorial and general guidelines for working with
  arcpy.mapping. ArcGIS Desktop help has a complete section
  dedicated to the ArcPy mapping module. Embedded within the help topics
  are over 100 different, practical help samples that can be copied/pasted into your applications. Be
  sure to review the “Best ways to get started” section.

• A video presentation called Python Scripting for
  Map Automation in ArcGIS 10 presented at the 2011 Developer’s Summit is an excellent way
  to get started. This presentation not only introduces arcpy.mapping but
  also demonstrates many of its use cases.

• Another video
  presentation called Arcpy.mapping: Export a map in PDF format from a web
  browser that demonstrates how arcpy.mapping scripts can be published as
  geoprocessing services and published to web applications.

Sample Applications

• Approximately 20
  script tools that perform routine map and layer management tasks, printing and
  exporting, as well as basic cartographic operations.
  This is an excellent download because it
  includes many practical code samples that perform a variety of tasks and they
  are easy enough to modify for your own purposes.

• A script
  tool that combines Data Driven Pages, arcpy.mapping, and the ReportLab site package to generate a reference map book that includes street index
  pages. It demonstrates how arcpy.mapping can be used to extend Data
  Driven Pages capabilities.

• A script
  that incorporates Data Driven Pages and arcpy.mapping to build a map series
  that includes dynamic graphic tables. There is a very complete README.doc file
  included with the download that also addresses other useful tips and tricks
  that go along with the application.

 Web Courses

• Basics of Python (for ArcGIS 10).
  This course teaches fundamental concepts you need to know to create
  Python scripts in ArcGIS. You will learn guidelines for proper Python syntax,
  techniques to troubleshoot common errors, and how to use loops to test for
  conditions and execute different code based on the result.

• Python Scripting for Map Automation in
  ArcGIS 10. This course teaches how to automate map production and
  related data management tasks that would be time-consuming and tedious to
  perform manually. You will learn how to work with the mapping module of the
  ArcPy site package to quickly and easily update map layers and map document
  properties, modify map content, and produce individual maps and map books.

 Special thanks to David from the Mapping Team for sharing these links.