ArcPy: Automating GIS Tasks with Python

The Data Science/GIS workshop series is powered by GIS and Data Service Center, and Research Education at University Libraries. This workshop series offers introductory to advanced-level skills in GIS, Data Science, and Data Visualization among others.  ArcPy is a Python site package that provides access to the powerful geoprocessing tools in ArcGIS Pro, enabling automation, customization, and reproducibility in GIS workflows. In this workshop, you will learn the foundational concepts of ArcPy and explore how scripting can enhance traditional GIS tasks by streamlining repetitive processes and enabling more complex analyses. While many programming languages can be integrated with GIS, ArcPy is uniquely designed to work within the ArcGIS environment, bridging Python’s flexibility with ArcGIS Pro’s spatial analysis capabilities. This workshop will provide an overview of ArcPy functionality in ArcGIS Pro, including topics such as accessing and managing geospatial data, performing common geoprocessing operations, creating custom scripts, and building script tools for broader use. Participants will gain hands-on experience writing and running ArcPy scripts, and by the end, will understand how to integrate Python into their own GIS projects for increased efficiency and innovation. Introductory GIS knowledge is recommended but not required. No prior programming experience is necessary.