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Best Practices for ArcPy™

These best practices assume the use of ArcGIS® Pro and Python 3 

ArcGIS Pro offers a wide range of tools to support your GIS work. However, many workflows are unique to an organization. Scripting is a great way to automate organization-specific processes, saving time. With ArcPy, Esri’s Python site package, you can create your own custom GIS scripts.  

There are three types of Esri Python tools that use ArcPy: ArcGIS Pro toolboxes, standalone scripts, and geoprocessing (GP) services. 

ArcGIS Pro Toolboxes  

ArcGIS Pro toolboxes allow you to create custom tools with the same user experience as existing tools within ArcGIS Pro. This UX/UI uniformity makes the use of custom tools easier and more intuitive. ArcPy is created to run in ArcGIS Pro, so there is a high likelihood that all ArcPy libraries will work within a toolbox. ArcGIS Pro toolboxes are also easy to adapt for each run because the user can adjust the input parameters. 

How to add an ArcPy script to an ArcGIS Pro toolbox 

 

To add a script to a toolbox, right-click the toolbox and select New -> Script (You can also use a Python toolbox instead, which is a slightly different format. For this tip, we are discussing the default toolbox option).

  • Add a name, label, and description in the General tab.  

  • Define the input parameters in the Parameters tab. These can be retrieved in the script using arcpy.GetParameter({number}).  

  • The Validation tab can be used to validate inputs, such as checking the correct geometry type for a feature layer or filling out a dropdown with values from a selected feature layer. 

You can output information to the user by using arcpy.AddMessage or arcpy.AddError. Those will output to the Messages tab in the popup that appears when you click “View Details” for a running tool.  

Once your script is complete, right-click on the script, and go to Edit Metadata to add information about each input parameter for a better user experience. Users can hover over the info buttons next to each input parameter to see the metadata descriptions. 

Standalone Scripts 

Standalone scripts are useful for ETL processes, database cleanup and re-indexing, user and group management, calculations that might slow a server down during the day, daily notifications of changes, and quality control of data.  

Stand-alone scripts are run from the command line using propy and are best for automated processes. The default location of propy is: 

C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Pro\bin\Python\Scripts\propy.  

There are important differences to note between ArcGIS Pro toolbox scripts and standalone scripts. For standalone scripts:  

Parameters should be in a config file or passed as text in the command line like normal Python scripts.   

arcpy.AddMessage() does not work, you must use the default print() call in Python.  

Some methods in ArcPy may not work as expected since the standalone scripts do not have full access to map documents and cannot display data like you can with an ArcGIS Pro toolbox. There are usually ways around this, especially if you have a blank project with a map the script can point to.  

Locating Errors 

Errors in Python can be difficult to track down, so we recommend adding a try/catch around the entire script and using the traceback library to catch any errors. You can do this for both toolboxes and stand-alone scripts. For example:  

import traceback  

try:  

… rest of the script …  

except Exception as e:  

print(str(e))  

print(traceback.format_exc())  

If you’re writing to a log file, you can also save the string output from the traceback there. 

Geoprocessing Services 

Data conversion, data analysis, and data management tools are enabled via geoprocessing services. A geoprocessing service is developed as an ArcGIS Pro toolbox and then published after a successful run in ArcGIS Pro.   

A geoprocessing service is necessary when users outside of ArcGIS Pro need access to a process, or if the tool is required as a published service for an application. For example, a custom analysis process could be published so a web application can access it and run calculations for display based on user input. 

There are ArcPy methods that may not work once published as a geoprocessing service, so it's important to test carefully once you begin publishing. The methods that may cause issues are usually related to map functions. There are usually workarounds, it may just take extra research to find the method that works for a published service.  

Note that any methods that use credits to run will also use credits once published. If you want to limit who can access your geoprocessing service, you can secure it by users or groups just like with any other published content. 

Too busy to sort out the finer details of ArcPy? Argis Solutions’ experienced GIS development team is poised to support your custom tool needs with our practical, sustainable approach to tool-building. Schedule a discovery call to learn more.

A Look Back at 2023

2023 Client Trends 

Modernizing GIS was the biggest 2023 request by Argis Solutions clients as they seek to keep up with the demands of rapidly shifting technology. New versions of GIS software impact older tools and third-party software, requiring thoughtful and strategic change management.  

Argis’ work for the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado is one example of the many pathways to GIS modernization for local government and other organizations.  

Our most popular article of 2023 reflects these heightened modernization concerns as well, outlining the longevity and sustainability offered by micro applications in the face of change.  

We also saw more artificial intelligence filtering into our production work this past year. The time savings AI brings to a process is hard to ignore. A recent AI project that involved automated web scraping using OpenAI gave the end-client the ability to condense a day’s worth of work into seconds! We expect to see requests for AI integration to multiply in the coming year.  

Ongoing State and Local Government Focus 

Argis’ state and local government focus for GIS professional services continued in 2023, and we increased our client base by 33% as we expanded into new states and regions. The locational flexibility offered by our distributed office model nicely supports this market expansion, with our operations team spanning the United States, from east coast to west coast and in between. 

An Even Stronger Team 

Speaking of Argis Solutions’ amazing team, we grew by 30% this year. Quality has matched quantity in every way, with glowing client feedback. “Exceptional expertise and professionalism” and “working with Argis is a real pleasure” are just a few of the positive comments we’ve received about recent projects. The team has been busy, coding a total of 11,785 hours in 2023!

Argis has always offered project management, but this year we established an official project management office. Additionally, Argis CEO Brady Hustad was appointed to Esri’s Partner Advisory Council in recognition of his leadership, engagement in Esri’s partner ecosystem, and Argis’ technological alignment with Esri. 

Supporting GIS for Nonprofits 

Groundwork in the nonprofit space began the previous year with our work for Denver Botanic Gardens, paving the way for new nonprofit clients, like Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator and others. Argis was awarded Esri’s Nonprofit Specialty in October, and we hit the ground running. This year, our nonprofit revenue grew by 2068%! Looking ahead, we are excited to be co-sponsoring a Colorado/Wyoming Nonprofit Meetup with Esri and other partners at Esri’s Denver Regional Office in mid-January 2024.  

Thank you to our valued clients for entrusting us with your projects and allowing us to partner in your GIS vision for your organizations. Cheers (We really mean that! One of our team members produced 1300 gallons of wine in 2023!) to another great year! 

Argis Solutions Earns Esri Nonprofit Specialty Designation

Aurora, CO: Argis Solutions, a GIS professional services consultancy, is pleased to announce that it has earned the Esri Partner Network (EPN) Nonprofit specialty designation from Esri. Partners in the Nonprofit specialty apply their ArcGIS knowledge and expertise to support nonprofits in their adoption and use of ArcGIS software and solutions. 

This designation recognizes Argis Solutions’ long-term commitment to helping nonprofits adopt and sustain a geographic approach that supports their organization’s mission. Argis’ GIS services include: 

  • Helping organizations implement or expand ArcGIS software and systems 

  • Offering ongoing maintenance of ArcGIS software 

  • Staff augmentation for projects where additional GIS support is needed 

  • Modernizing GIS systems and migrating or updating tools and applications 

  • Architecture and implementation for cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and ArcGIS Online  

Argis Solutions is a multi-award winning Esri Silver Partner in the EPN and holds three additional Esri specialties: the ArcGIS System Ready, State and Local Government, and Federal Small Business specialties. 

“Over the past seven years, Argis Solutions has morphed from a startup to a rapidly growing GIS consultancy. Those early years helped us fine tune a very practical, budget-minded approach to helping organizations build a solid and supported GIS foundation,” said Brady Hustad, founder and CEO of Argis Solutions. “GIS has tremendous value for nonprofits, and the EPN Nonprofit specialty highlights Argis’ ability to help nonprofits across the spectrum: from organizations just getting started with GIS to organizations that need to modernize and optimize their GIS, or those that require ongoing technical support.” 

For more information about Argis Solutions’ GIS services for nonprofits, visit www.argis.com/nonprofit

About Argis Solutions: Based in Denver, Colorado, Argis Solutions offers coast-to-coast GIS professional services, along with software and augmented/mixed reality development. Over the past seven years Argis has offered a broad range of GIS support for state and local government, federal, nonprofit, and private organizations. Argis’ augmented reality mobile application, the Argis Lens, is a tool for field work that displays ArcGIS data as AR visualizations. The Lens’ innovative patented technology has been the subject of two Esri awards. The development of the Argis Lens along with the Argis technical team’s combined 60-plus years of GIS experience informs its practical yet creative approach supporting a broad range of geospatially-focused projects. To learn more about Argis Solutions and its most recent projects, visit www.argis.com

Using ArcGIS® API for Python with U.S. Census Data

Esri recently updated its U.S. Census data. The Argis Solutions technical team is sharing one way to customize ArcGIS® Pro tools with ArcPy™. 

A recent consulting project had us diving into U.S. Census data. Certain statistics based on census tracts were significant to the project, but the data wasn’t going to be easy to use with existing ArcGIS Pro tools. A set number of points needed to be given to each census tract that had a specific characteristic if all its surrounding tracts met a given criteria. 

We knew our best option would be to use the Python API to adjust the tools and put them into ArcGIS Pro. 

  • The Select By Attributes tool helped us find each tract that had the desired characteristic, and the Select By Location tool found the intersecting features for each of those tracts to find the tracts surrounding it.  

  • We combined those two tools in a loop using ArcPy so we could check the criteria for the surrounding tracts. 

These steps gave us the data analysis required to check the criteria and achieve project success. ArcGIS API for Python is a great option for creating ArcPy toolboxes easily, and only minimal knowledge of Python is needed. Esri’s ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing tool reference is an excellent guide. It offers example code for how to use each of their tools so you can start customizing right away! 

4 Ways Micro Applications Add Value to Your Esri Implementation

Integrating micro applications has never been easier! Micro applications are small, specialized applications designed to perform specific tasks within a larger system or application. These mini apps have a broad range of uses, from statistical and spatial analysis to location allocation and remote sensing. 

In an ever-changing technological landscape, longevity and sustainability are key concerns for GIS tool and solutions architecture. Organizations must remain vigilant regarding long-term viability of their tools and solutions. Micro apps offer value for long-term maintenance for several reasons:  

  1. Modularity: Because micro apps perform standalone tasks, if one app goes down, only a small portion of tools, if any, will be affected. Each micro app can be developed as a standalone unit, with well-defined inputs, outputs, and functionality, making it easier to modify or update without affecting the entire system. Development, testing, and maintenance are simplified. 

  2. Scalability: Micro apps can be scaled up or down to meet changing needs. New micro apps can be added to the system as needed, and existing apps can be modified or replaced as required without disrupting the overall system. 

  3. Flexibility: Micro apps allow users to customize GIS workflows to meet their specific needs. Users can choose the best micro apps for tasks and combine them in different ways to create custom workflows. 

  4. Cost-effectiveness: Micro app development can be quick and cost-effective, making them an attractive option for organizations with limited budgets or resources. Because micro apps are typically small and focused, they don't require the same level of investment as larger, more complex GIS systems. 

Are there downsides to micro applications?

There are a few limitations and challenges that need to be considered as part of the decision-making process. If micro apps aren’t well-organized, it can be difficult to find the tool you want. Additionally, if there is a large upgrade to your tool base, it could be time-consuming to upgrade the micro apps within it. It’s also important to be mindful of workflows. Users shouldn’t be opening and shutting micro app after micro app to finish a single job. 

The positives for micro applications are extensive

In most cases, the upsides to micro applications outweigh the downsides, and careful micro app management can reduce or eliminate downsides altogether. 

Within the Esri platform, Portal for ArcGIS® and ArcGIS® Online are designed with the expectation that collections and galleries of tools will be used. ArcGIS® Web AppBuilder and ArcGIS® Experience Builder are designed to create web app, map-centered applications focused on functionality.  

Well-designed maps have a focused purpose, giving specific information for a job or workflow, or answering specific questions. If you are designing with a focused purpose, you are already working in micro app territory. 

The days of “one application fits all needs” are over. Move towards micro for modularity, scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. 

Interested in learning more about how micro applications could improve your specific GIS infrastructure? Schedule a discovery call today. 

Argis Solutions
Brady Hustad from Argis Solutions, Inc. Named to Esri’s Partner Advisory Council

Denver, CO (June 20, 2023)– Argis Solutions, Inc. today announced the acceptance of Brady Hustad to Esri’s Partner Advisory Council (PAC).  Hustad will serve as a representative for a 3-year term. 

The PAC, established in 2010, serves as an advisory body for partnering at Esri. Membership on this council is offered to only a select number of partner thought leaders that meet rigorous criteria for nomination including senior leadership in their organization, current engagement in the partner ecosystem, a clear business strategy, and technology alignment with Esri. PAC members are committed to being advocates for the partner community and providing feedback and input on the strategic direction of the partner program in order to optimize how partners do business with Esri. 

“Our PAC members are carefully selected to serve a very important role in our partner community,” said Robert Laudati, Director of Global Partners and Alliances at Esri. “As the voice of the Esri Partner Network, they provide valuable input and act as a sounding board on the development of our programs and have the responsibility to be representatives of Esri’s rapidly growing partner ecosystem. I’m pleased to welcome Brady Hustad to this position.” 

"I’m honored to be selected to join the Partner Advisory Council,” said Brady Hustad, CEO of Argis Solutions. “It’s been exciting to watch the evolution of Esri over the past twenty years I’ve worked in the GIS industry. They are the undisputed leaders in creating innovative and quality GIS products and solutions. I look forward to having a voice in shaping the future of the Esri Partner Network program.” 

As a Denver, Colorado-based Esri Silver Partner in the Esri Partner Network, Argis Solutions offers GIS professional services to state and local government, federal, nonprofit, and private industry along with software and augmented reality/mixed reality development. Argis holds Esri’s ArcGIS System Ready, State and Local Government, and Federal Small Business specialties and is an Esri ArcGIS Marketplace provider. Argis was awarded an ArcGIS Platform for Innovation award in 2016 and the Infrastructure Management and GIS award for Innovation in 2022 for its ground-breaking integration of augmented reality with Esri ArcGIS software.  

For more information about Argis Solutions, Inc., please visit www.argis.com. Click here to learn more about the Esri Partner Network

About Esri 

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com. 

About Argis Solutions 

Offering a combined 45-plus years of experience, Argis Solutions is a rapidly growing GIS consultancy and development company with computer science superpowers. Whether Argis is helping a client implement GIS for the first time or architecting a complex, custom solution, Argis’ creative, agile approach to business problems supports organizations in achieving their unique goals.  

To learn more, visit www.argis.com or email us here

 

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