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I used to use SAGA GIS and automated simple tasks by dragging and dropping (or clicking something and copy and paste - don't recall sorry) to create a simple script that I could then run. I've used this for example to mosaik a bunch of files and save as a new file. I can then just update the list of files I want to mosaik and run the script.

I am working with a team who uses ArcGIS and was hoping that there was a simple way to automate simple tasks. I know that you can use Python with ArcGIS, and I'm looking for an easy way to help them get started along the Python path.

I don't have access to ArcGIS itself yet, so can't just play and see. I've checked out quite a few sites on this, but they focus on more advanced tasks.

I am somewhat guessing at the version being used - but it's a new system so I presume the most recent.

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    I like your optimistic view, that one can start with automating task before learning basics. Good luck.
    – FelixIP
    Commented Oct 5, 2017 at 3:25
  • You could have a crack at model builder resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.2/index.html#//…, it's pretty visual with all drag 'n drop controls... IMO it gets annoying when you try to iterate, that's why I learned python. If you want to know the ArcGIS version look at help:about (assuming you have a window open, Catalog or Map, doesn't matter).
    – Michael Stimson
    Commented Oct 5, 2017 at 3:29
  • @FelixIP not quite sure what you mean - I'm wanting to help them with the basics OF automating.
    – Esme_
    Commented Oct 5, 2017 at 3:41
  • Thanks @MichaelStimson - I'll look into it further. My understanding was that you couldn't convert from Model Builder to a script as such - so this would rather limit what tasks are able to be done. Am I correct there?
    – Esme_
    Commented Oct 5, 2017 at 3:45
  • When you create a model and have tested it you can export to python script... after a while though you'll probably find it easier just to write your own script from the beginning. Get a good editor though, I use PyWin for python but have also tried Notepad++ which isn't too bad, mostly though I use Notepad++ for header files and XML. Another recommendation is to bookmark the Esri help in your internet browser, it's not cheating to copy and paste but it certainly avoids spelling mistakes.
    – Michael Stimson
    Commented Oct 5, 2017 at 3:48

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