So now that Python has been proven as a great tool, who do you begin.  Sure you can start with www.python.org but the is so much information is on the site you are not sure where to start.  Well, there is a endless source for finding code samples.  Search the ArcGIS Help Library to find the tool you would like to use.  Then scroll to near the bottom and there is a code sample to use in the Python Window or as a stand-alone script for that particular tool.

Another  method that saves a lot of time is to use ModelBuilder and create a model for the desired process.  Once you get the model working then export the model as a script (Model > Export > Script).  The output of this export provides a great starting point for expanding on the python code to get the task accomplished.

Here is a quick example from the Buffer tool help document:

Python Widnow Script
import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.Buffer_analysis("roads", "C:/output/majorrdsBuffered" "100 Feet", "FULL", "ROUND", "LIST", "Distance")

Stand-alone Script
# Name: Buffer.py
# Description: Find areas of suitable vegetation which exclude areas heavily impacted by major roads
# Author: ESRI

# import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env

# Set environment settings
env.workspace = “C:/data/Habitat_Analysis.gdb”

# Select suitable vegetation patches from all vegetation
veg = “vegtype”
suitableVeg = “C:/output/Output.gdb/suitable_vegetation”
whereClause = “HABITAT = 1″
arcpy.Select_analysis(veg, suitableVeg, whereClause)

# Buffer areas of impact around major roads
roads = “majorrds”
roadsBuffer = “C:/output/Output.gdb/buffer_output”
distanceField = “Distance”
sideType = “FULL”
endType = “ROUND”
dissolveType = “LIST”
dissolveField = “Distance”
arcpy.Buffer_analysis(roads, roadsBuffer, distanceField, sideType, endType, dissolveType, dissolveField)

# Erase areas of impact around major roads from the suitable vegetation patches
eraseOutput = “C:/output/Output.gdb/suitable_vegetation_minus_roads”
xyTol = “1 Meters”
arcpy.Erase_analysis(suitableVeg, roadsBuffer, eraseOutput, xyTol)

In ArcMap there is the option to store relative paths for the data layers you add to your map.  This same feature is available in ArcGIS Explorer.  A few quick steps will put you on your way out the door with no worries for your presentation data.

1. Click the Office Button and select Map Properties

2. Under Data Access check the Store relative paths option

3. Save your presentation

If you found this tip helpful, try these other ArcGIS Explorer tips:

ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Slides

ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Data

ArcGIS Explorer – Change Color Scheme

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

1. Create slide in Microsoft PowerPoint

2. Save slide as a Portable Graphics Network Format (*.png)

3.  Choose either current slide or every slide

4. Add content -> Image Overlays…

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

Data that can be added in includes: ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Layers, Map Content Files, KML Files, GIS Services, Shapefiles, Raster Data, Geodatabase Data, Text Files, GPS Data Files, and Image Overlays.

Each of these data elements can be added directly from the Add Content button on the Home Menu ribbon.  By clicking the Add Content button, a menu like the one on the right will show and you can choose your data type.  Follow the specific directions provided and the data will be added into the Contents Window.  The data will be shown with various icons to indicate the data type.

One type of data that can be added in that will preserve the symbology is ArcGIS Layers and ArcGIS Layer Packages.  The symbology that is create in ArcMap can be shown in ArcGIS Explorer.  Since explorer has limited symbology, this helps take visualization to the next level.  The difference between ArcGIS Layers and  ArcGIS Layer Packages is that the packages area created so that both the data and symbology can be easily move from one computer to another computer in one file package.  The Layers can be used, but the data must reside on the some computer.

To create a layer package:

1. Right click the desired layer from the table of contents.

2. Click Create Layer Package…

3. Designate where to save the file.

4. A conformation of completion will pop up in an alert.

You can then use or send the file however you would like.

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

1. Click the Explorer Button (Office Button).

2. Click ArcGIS Explorer Options.

3. Under the Common tab, choose your desired color scheme.

Blue Color Scheme

Black Color Scheme

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

In ArcInfo there is a tool that allows this to be done.

ArcToolBox –>Data Management Tools –>Features –>Feature to Point

However, if you have a lower license, there is a simple workaround.  (The headings are links to specific demonstrations of these steps.)

Calculate Lat/Long for Shapefile

1. Add X and Y fields to your polygon attribute table

2. Calculate the X and Y coordinates

3. Export the attribute table to a new *.dbf

Create Point File from XY Data

4. Add new table to map document

5. Add XY event layer

6. Export temporary XY event layer file to permanent file

In this example, a relationship is determined between students and study sectors.  Students being a point layer and study sectors being a polygon layer.  Determining the number of students within each sector is easy to do by simply counting the visible points for each area.  The is not always correct as some points can fall on top of each other.  You can use the select by location tool to find the exact number of student within each sector, but this can become time consuming if you have a lot of areas to cover.  The solution to this problem is the spatial join tool.  This tool determines the spatial relationship between the polygons and points.  A point count for each polygon is created and placed in the attribute table.

Here is a demonstration video:

Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com.  Some browsers may block this content.

Download the video to your computer: ArcMap Spatial Join Tool

To copy the map to the clipboard:

1. Click Edit -> Copy Map to Clipboard

2. See map image on clipboard

3. Paste image into document.  Click image on clipboard or press Ctrl-V.

This tool can be easily found and utilized with just a few simple steps.

1. Click Overview from Window Menu.

2. Next change the properties by right clicking on the Overview Window header to open the properties window.  Then change the desired settings.

Here you can change your reference layer, extent symbol and background color.

Here is an example of the Layer Overview window in use.  The Overview window can also be resized as well.

Follow these simple steps to create a thumbnail image for a file in ArcCatalog:

1. View the shapefile with the Preview Tab.

2. Zoom to desired view.

ArcCatalog gives you a few navigation tools.  You can create a full extent view or zoom in on certain features.

3. Press the create thumbnail button from the toolbar.

4. View the newly created thumbnail under the Contents Tab.

Learn more about ArcGIS in these excellent books:

GIS Tutorial

Getting to Know ArcGIS