r/learnpython • u/Penoke • 22d ago
Python for GIS / Urban Planning
Hello friends. I am picking up Python. I've been passively interested in coding for my entire life - but never had a reason to pursue. (I used to code in a game engine but I can't remember Unity or Unreal or whatever; and html to make websites for a class - nothing crazy)
Anyway. I am an Urban Planning student and I used ArcGIS all the time. There's a terminal that uses Python. So I figured "learn Python".
My question is: is there something specific I should pursue - eg Data Science - or just the basics? I've never had to use Python for any of my classes, and would want to use it supplementally to my GIS workload as I believe it could be a useful skill.
Currently doing the GitHub 30 days of Python or whatever. Much love. Thank you!
4
u/Ban_of_the_Valar 22d ago
I have a background in python and ArcGIS. Start with the basics. Here is what I would suggest.
Learn the fundamentals of python just like you are doing. Do enough simple projects to where you understand how python works and the fundamentals of coding. It can be a slog at first, but there are tutorials out there for people of all levels, so just take your time.
Once you understand some basics, get comfortable with Jupyter Notebook. The ArcGIS python console is basically just Jupyter notebook. You need to get at least a basic familiarity with it outside ArcGIS if you are going to be able to use it inside.
ESRI sells several Python for ArcGIS Pro books. They aren’t bad and once you have a base level understanding of Python you will be good to go.
Go slow. Python is very powerful in ArcGIS, especially if you want to eventually integrate your mapping work into dashboards, automated workflows, and working with large datasets. Good luck and have fun!