Abstract

Using Multiprocessing in Python to Decrease Map Production Time
Track: Research & Sciences
Authors: Jeffrey Nothwehr

The National Drought Mitigation Center produces hundreds of maps on a weekly basis for the U.S. Drought Monitor and other drought related products. These maps are mainly generated using a combination of Python and ArcGIS. Previously this process has taken several hours to run from start to finish. Multiprocessing has been implemented in order to create and export multiple maps at the same time. Doing so has greatly decreased the necessary processing time.