Python Scripting for Map Automation

—Jeff Barrette and Michael Grossman

In ArcGIS 10, we introduced the ability to automate mapping tasks through a new Python mapping module. This session will provide an overview of the arcpy.mapping module and demonstrate how it can be used to process MXD documents, map layers, data frames, and layouts in batch. Printing and exporting map documents and creation of PDF map books via Python will be covered, as will creation of script tools that can be used in an interactive ArcMap session. Attendees will also be introduced to the best resources and fastest ways to start writing their own mapping scripts in ArcGIS 10.