Geoprocessing with Python

After covering a bit of geoprocessing last week, this week we delve into the heart of the matter- geoprocessing with Python.  Geoprocessing is at the heart of the ability of GIS to solve problems with models and analysis by way of powerful computing tools, and Python could be argued to be the GIS professional's key to a more advanced use of such.  Suffice it to say, though, that moving into this territory things begin to get a bit more complicated.

Our script for the week, a screen shot of the results of which is above, performs a basic series of geoprocessing tasks, executed entirely by way of Python code.  The first operation adds x-y coordinates to a shapefile with hospital locations.  The second process is a 1000 meter buffer around the hospital points, and the third dissolves the overlapping lines of the buffers, so they become a single feature.  Each task is completed via a Python command, and file names are entered as parameters, but in order to do so a "workspace" location must be set up first.  This allows the files being manipulated to be referred to by name, and not their full file path on disc, which makes the script a bit shorter and more compact.  After each operation is completed, a message is output- indicating that it was successful, and naming the operation that was performed.  This introduction to simple geoprocessing functions within Python script is the mere tip of the iceberg of Python's capability in this realm.