Start Programming in GIS
November 10, 2008 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, GIS Tips, Programming
GIS in and of itself is a very technical system. Just think about the visual part of a map and then add in the data that lies behind the visualization. Then on top of everything, add the ability to do extensive analysis with the data. Each of these parts are held together with a Graphic User Interface such as ArcGIS, MapInfo, or GoogleEarth. While already being overwhelmed by the data alone, think about the programming that goes into these GUI’s. You may tell yourself that programming is an area that you plan to stay far away from; however. I believe that there are extremely great benefits to knowing a little bit about programming.
In order to get your feet wet in GIS programming, I would suggest learning a little bit about Visual Basic for Applications. VBA is an event driven form of Visual Basic. It usually relies on applications to serve as its host as it does not work independently. Microsoft Software is the main housing unit for VBA, but it does come with other software packages such as AutoCAD, WordPerfect, and ArcGIS. VBA allows the user to perform repetitive and/or extensive tasks in a simple to use format. These formats can include but are not limited to a Button, Tool, Form, and Macro.
To Begin, find where the Visual Basic for Applications program is located. In ArcMap or ArcCatalog click Tools -> Marcos -> Visual Basic Editor… (This is basic for all applications with VBA). The shortcut is Atl+F11. This will open Microsoft Visual Basic in a new window.
Start by exploring the various areas presented. Familiarize yourself with the Menu bar. Many of the options will be completely foreign, but you will learn how to apply them to programming eventually.
Next, you should see a Project Explorer Window (If you do not see this window, click View -> Project Explorer). Read more
VBA Code Resources
November 10, 2008 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, GIS Tips, Programming, Websites
Finding resources for programming with VBA in GIS is a challenging task. I have search high and low, and still I have found very little resources. Here is what I have found so far:
1. ArcScripts
This the best place to find code. Since it is maintained by ESRI, there is no larger collected anywhere online. The GIS community uplaods various scripts and the site puts them in an easy to search format. Many programming languages are available.
Here are a few of my favorite:
Programming with ArcObjects
November 3, 2008 by Timothy
Filed under GIS Books, GIS Programming
I have been doing some light programming in GIS for about two years now. I had figured out how to download various scripts and VBA code snippets and piece them together to preform various tasks. By doing this, I was beginning to pick up some basic concepts in the Visual Basic for Applications environment.
I recently pick up this book, Getting to Know ArcObjects. It was really helpful. It has helped me to understand VBA a lot more. It covers various applications including customizing ArcDesktop, Creating Forms, Automating Page Layouts, Creating UIControlButtons, Automating Labels and Symbology and so much more. The chapters are layed out with instructive text and then a hands on tutorial.
Once I got this book, I worked through it in 5 days. If you have been wanting to learn more about programming in GIS then this is the book for you. Check it out today!
Getting to Know ArcObjects (With CD-ROM)
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