Python Scripting for Map Automation in ArcGIS 10

Description

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.

Who Should Attend

GIS specialists, mapping technicians, cartographers, and other ArcGIS users involved with map production workflows.

Learn How To

• Update map document properties such as author, date, and descriptive tags.
• Repair broken layers when map files or data sources have been moved.
• Redirect layers when a new data source has been created.
• Turn map layers on and off and add layers to a map.
• Change a layer's symbology in all maps that contain the layer.
• Print maps and export maps to PDF.
• Publish map books created with data driven pages.

To complete course exercises, you need the following software:

• ArcGIS 10.0 for Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo)

The purpose of arcpy.mapping and typical script scenarios

• Change data sources
• Map automation
• Accessing ArcGIS Help resources
• Getting help when writing your scripts
• Tips for writing your Python code

Managing maps and layers

• Decide where to run your script
• Working with objects in the map document
• Change map document properties
• Accessing and changing layer data sources
• Change a layer's data source
• Working with layers
• Change layer properties
• Changing layer symbology
• Change layer symbology

Automating map production

• Authoring your maps for scripting with arcpy.mapping
• Change the map's publication date

Exporting and printing

• Publishing your map
• Publish a map book

• Completion of ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality or Learning ArcGIS Desktop or equivalent knowledge is required.
• Completion of Basics of Python (for ArcGIS 10) or equivalent knowledge is required.