Python for use with ArcGIS

Python & ArcGIS

Python is the primary coding language used to work with desktop ArcGIS software like ArcPro and ArcMap.

At Miami University we teach a Python for Geospatial Applications course (GEO 443/543) that teaches the basics of the Python language and how to leverage the arcpy package to work with the ESRI desktop software.

Accessing Python for use with ArcPro

Python 3 is automatically installed with ArcPro.

In order to use the arcpy package to interact with ArcPro using Python, you must ensure you are accessing the correct IDE that is connected to this Python installation.

Python installs here with ArcPro: C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Pro\bin\Python\envs\arcgispro-py3

By default, IDLE is the basic Python editor that is part of any Python installation.

To create a desktop shortcut to IDLE for use with arcpy and ArcPro, right-click on your desktop > New > Shortcut

Insert the following path: C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Pro\bin\Python\envs\arcgispro-py3\Scripts\idle.exe

Working with IDLE

Default Python IDLE installed with all ArcPro installations

Example of a Python program that is using the ArcGIS arcpy package to integrate with ArcPro and GIS data

Result of the short program to the left

This program copied existing shapefile data into a file geodatabase.

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