Introduction to Python for ArcGIS

Programming tools are now a standard feature within GIS software packages and allow GIS users to automate, speed up, and become more precise in their data management and analytic work. This workshop is designed for GIS users who have little to no experience with computer programming and will cover core Python programming language concepts specifically for use in ArcGIS. The workshop will focus on guiding participants through hands-on exercises designed to provide the essential skills to programmatically manipulate data as part of an ArcGIS workflow.

This workshop is designed to be preparation for the following workshop on Advanced Python for ArcGIS, but may be taken independently.

Learning Objectives:

• Core Python programming concepts
• Introduction to ArcPy site package for ArcGIS
• Working with geospatial data using Python, ArcPy, and ArcGIS Notebooks
• Using Python for simple data management and geoprocessing tasks

Instructor

James Whitacre, GIS Services Division Chief, Pennsylvania Game Commission

Computer and Software Requirements

Students must provide their own laptop with the following software installed:

• ArcGIS Pro 2.7+
• Code Editor - Any of the following will work and are available for free:
• • Microsoft Visual Studio Code (Setup Instructions)
  • PyCharm Community Edition (Setup Instructions)
  • Notepad++

The instructor will use ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Notebooks (included with ArcGIS Pro), and Microsoft Visual Studio Code to teach all the material. While the workshop may work with ArcMap, the material is not tested with ArcMap. The instructor will not be able to help with any special setup, so please ensure your software is ready for use at the beginning of the workshop.