Week 5/6 - Python GeoProcessing

GIS 4102

 

Week 5 - Review

 

Week 6 - Module 5 - Python GeoProcessing

 

This week we worked with Python Script and Geoprocessing.  The screenshot above was taken after a series of code was run to Add XY Coordinates to the hospitals shapefile, then create a 1000 meter buffer around the hospital locations, and finally Dissolve the buffers created into a single feature.  All three of these tasks were completed using python script.  The results were then printed in the interactive window to show that the tools completed their parameters successfully.

 

I can see how a python code can be written to complete routine series of tasks and all that would need to be modified is a few parameters.  I also discovered that using code that was previously written saves both time and cuts down on syntax errors.

 

Overall I definitely am coming away with something that I can use in my current position, and look forward to further growth in Python Script.



Week 4 - Participation 1

GIS 4102

 

GIS can be used in a number of different ways.  The Town of Mooresville, North Carolina utilized GIS to assist them with a stinky situation.  In 2010 the town discovered they were having a problem with an increasing number of overflows and stoppages in their Sanitary Sewer System.

The Mooresville Water/Sewer Maintenance Department (WSMD) reached out to their Engineering Department for a solution to meet the requirement set by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  This requirement involved the cataloging of the cleaning and maintenance of all sewer lines on a regular basis to identify troubled areas.  Cataloging their findings in Excel spreadsheets, the WSMD logged the cleaning data for the entire month and dates for when the sewer features were cleaned.  They gave each manhole a unique identifier to associate it with a matching manhole on the GIS map.

Then utilizing Python scripting, they were able to simplify the repetition of the steps required to create the cleaning data.  Python script was made available to all ArcGIS users to do analysis on the data which allowed them to determine the number of sewer mains cleaned as well as the total lengths.

The analytical data that was collected was then used to determine “hot spots” that were cleaned seven or more times in the previous year.  This allowed the WSMD staff to work with other departments to isolate and monitor locations that were repeatedly cleaned.  Overall the WSMD saw an increase in productivity by 26% and a decrease of stoppages in gravity main lines throughout town.  This in turn, through the use of technology and teamwork, has saved the WSMD money as well as cut down on overtime.

Town Shapens Proactive Sewer System Management
By Alan Saine, Civil Engineer, Town of Mooresville, North Carolina
ArcNews Fall 2012



Week 4 - Python Fundamentals II

GIS 4102

 

 

 

This weeks exercises and lab assignments reinforced the use of modules, writing conditional statements, using loop structures, correcting script errors, as well as how to write comments within scripts to help with readability and descriptions.

 

The above results are from this weeks lab assignment where I worked with a script to play a dice game.  The dice game was then followed by a sequential numbering from 0 to 5 utilizing a while loop.  The dice game script itself was provided to me and I was asked to use it as a method to reinforce my ability to identify and correct errors in scripts.  I utilized both my own knowledge of script writing, and the check feature provided to me in the Python Win software application.

 

Overall this weeks lab helped build a strong foundation for my Python skills to improve upon.



Week 3 - Python Fundamentals I

GIS 4102

 

This week the class looked closely at the foundation and building blocks of Python script.  We looked at using variables, strings, lists, functions, methods, math equations, as well as conditional statements.

 

The screenshot above is the results of a python script that I wrote.  In the script I was tasked with identifying my full name, breaking down that full name string into a list, identifying my last name from that list, and printing the result.  From there the script went on to identify how many characters made up my last name and multiplied that by the value of 3.  The script then printed the results of that equation.

 

The results were:

 

Griswold

24

 

This was a great opportunity to utilize all the Python features we have learned up to this point.  I am excited to see what is next.