Introduction to GIS Programming and Fundamentals with Python and ArcGIS®

Combining GIS concepts and fundamental spatial thinking methodology with real programming examples, this book introduces popular Python-based tools and their application to solving real-world problems. It elucidates the programming constructs of Python with its high-level toolkits and demonstrates its integration with ArcGIS Theory. Filled with hands-on computer exercises in a logical learning workflow this book promotes increased interactivity between instructors and students while also benefiting professionals in the field with vital knowledge to sharpen their programming skills. Readers receive expert guidance on modules, package management, and handling shapefile formats needed to build their own mini-GIS. Comprehensive and engaging commentary, robust contents, accompanying datasets, and classroom-tested exercises are all housed here to permit users to become competitive in the GIS/IT job market and industry.

Section I Introduction Computer Hardware and Software GIS and Programming Python Class and Object GIS Data Models UML Hands-On Experience with Python Chapter Summary Problems Object-Oriented Programming Programming Language and Python Class and Object Point, Polyline, and Polygon Hands-On Experience with Python Chapter Summary Problems Section II Introduction to Python Object-Oriented Support Syntax Data Types Miscellaneous Operators Statements Functions Hands-On Experience with Python Chapter Summary Problems Python Language Control Structure, File Input/Output, and Exception Handling Making Decisions Loops Other Control Structures File Input/Output Exceptions Hands-On Experience with Python Chapter Summary Problems Programming Thinking and Vector Data Visualization Problem: Visualizing GIS Data Transforming Coordinate System Visualizing Vector Data Point, Polyline, Polygon Programming Thinking Hands-On Experience with Python Chapter Summary Problems Shapefile Handling Binary Data Manipulation Shapefile Introduction Shapefile Structure and Interpretation General Programming Sequence for Handling Shapefiles Hands-On Experience with Mini-GIS Chapter Summary Problems Python Programming Environment General Python IDE Python Modules Package Management and Mini-GIS Hands-On Experience with Mini-GIS Chapter Summary Problems Vector Data Algorithms Centroid Area Length Line Intersection Point in Polygon Hands-On Experience with Python Chapter Summary Problems Section III ArcGIS Programming ArcGIS Programming Introduction to ArcPy Package Automating ArcTools with Python Accessing and Editing Data with Cursors Describing and Listing Objects Manipulating Complex Objects Automating Map Production Creating ArcTools from Scripts Handling Errors and Messages External Document and Video Resources Implementing Spatial Relationship Calculations Using ArcGIS Summary Assignment Raster Data Algorithm Raster Data Raster Storage and Compression Raster Data Formats Color Representation and Raster Rendering Raster Analysis Hands-On Experience with ArcGIS Chapter Summary Problems Network Data Algorithms Network Representation Finding the Shortest Path Types of Network Analysis Hands-On Experience with ArcGIS Chapter Summary Problems Surface Data Algorithms 3D Surface and Data Model Create Surface Model Data Surface Data Analysis Hands-On Experience with ArcGIS Chapter Summary Problems Section IV Performance-Improving Techniques Problems Disk Access and Memory Management Parallel Processing and Multithreading Relationship Calculation and Spatial Index Hands-On Experience with Mini-GIS Chapter Summary Problems Advanced Topics Spatial Data Structure GIS Algorithms and Modeling Distributed GIS Spatiotemporal Thinking and Computing Chapter Summary Problems References Index

Chaowei Yang is professor of geographic information science at George Mason University (GMU). His research interest is on utilizing spatiotemporal principles to optimize computing infrastructure to support science discoveries. He founded the Center for Intelligent Spatial Computing and the NSF Spatiotemporal Innovation Center. He served as PI or Co-I for projects totaling over $40M and funded by over 15 agencies, organizations, and companies. He has published 150+ articles and developed a number of GIS courses and a training program. He has graduated 20+ postdoctoral and PhD students who serve as professors and scientists in highly acclaimed U.S. and Chinese institutions. He received many national and international awards, such as the U.S. Presidential Environment Protection Stewardship Award in 2009. All his achievements are based on his practical knowledge of GIS and geospatial information systems. This book is a collection of such practical knowledge on how to develop GIS tools from a programming perspective. The content was offered in his programming and GIS algorithm classes during the past 10 years (2004–2016) and has been adopted by his students and colleagues serving as professors at many universities in the United States and internationally.