2014 Summer Newsletter

Python has some big benefits. Once a script is written, that may initially take some time, the script can simply be run, and will perform all those GIS tasks you used to do manually. This is a huge time saver. Also, human error is eliminated, since all scripts will be debugged and tested. The scripts can be run while working, leaving you free to do other tasks. Even better, Python scripts can also be run as scheduled tasks on your computer at any time. The return on investment for Python training in the Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office has been significant. Now that so many redundant geoprocessing workflows have been automated, my schedule has been freed up to work on other projects. Countless hours have been saved in my schedule. A few years ago, when doing a return on investment study, I asked our Appraisal Services Department Manager how much time a GIS dataset created with Python saved her appraisers. She said it was ―unquantifiable‖. And, of course, we know that savings in time also leads to savings in dollars. In the GIS industry, it is recognized that learning programming is one of the best ways to understand what is ―under the hood‖ in GIS, how GIS really works internally. And one can never fully utilize ArcGIS Desktop without Python. Hence, Python skills are in high demand in the GIS job marketplace. In addition to the self-paced courses mentioned above, ESRI has released excellent self-paced, web- based GIS courses, along with instructor lead training. Geospatial Training Services also has virtual and instructor led training. GIS publications focused on Python are now available in the marketplace and can be easily found on Amazon. Along with taking GIS Python courses, another great resource for writing Python scripts is using ―ArcGIS Desktop Help‖ for a particular geoprocessing tool. At the end of the help page are syntax requirements to use a tool in Python, along with script examples which can be cut and paste into your own scripts. Twelve Python scripts are used at the Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office, three of which are particularly vital to our office and the public. One script automatically exports our tax map books in GIS (ArcMap) to folders for placement on our website. These map books were previously exported manually. We also use a script that creates parcel GIS data with CAMA data attached in the attribute table for placement on the web. We have now seen a virtual elimination of calls from GIS professionals on how to accomplish this on their own. Finally, we use a script that creates property value text that is used in our appraisal GIS software package (Parcel Analyst) for valuing properties accurately. This script has saved our office large quantities of time. In conclusion, Python is a valuable tool in GIS that can make you and your co-workers more efficient. If you are a GIS professional using GIS/geoprocessing tools you should not be intimidated by this language, not at all.

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Summer 2014 Newsletter of the FCIAAO