ArcGIS

The Problem of Slow Analysis in ArcGIS Performing analysis on large datasets in ArcGIS can often be a slow and cumbersome process. At the field level, analysts frequently work with high-resolution imagery, lidar data, and large vector datasets that tax the processing capabilities of ArcGIS Desktop. Tasks like spatial overlays, raster processing, and geoprocessing operations…

Performing Field Calculations in Python Field calculations are essential in ArcGIS to derive new attribute values, update existing columns, or create new fields. While the ArcGIS Field Calculator provides a user interface for basic calculations, Python scripting enables more complex logic and workflow automation. Mastering Python field calculations unlocks the full analytical power of ArcGIS….

Loading Geospatial Datasets into Geodatabases Geodatabases in ArcGIS provide an efficient way to store, query, and manage geospatial data for analysis. When working with Python, we can use the arcpy module to load various dataset types into geodatabases, including shapefiles, CSV files, and imagery. The CreateFeatureclass_management tool creates new empty feature classes with defined geometry…

The Problem of Duplicate IDs In any GIS dataset, unique identifiers (IDs) are essential for distinguishing between features during analysis and data management. However, manually assigning unique IDs can be tedious and error-prone, often resulting in duplicate values. Duplicate IDs can create numerous issues in ArcGIS workflows: Joins and relates may associate records incorrectly Spatial…

Slow Field Calculator Performance When working with large geospatial datasets in ArcGIS, users often rely on the Field Calculator to derive new attribute values or update existing columns. However, when dataset size and complexity increases, Field Calculator operations can slow to a crawl, with updates taking hours or even failing to complete. Understanding what causes…

Defining Coordinate Systems Coordinate systems are fundamental to working with spatial data in ArcGIS. They define the reference framework for plotting locations on the earth’s surface. Understanding coordinate systems is critical for visualizing, analyzing, and integrating spatial data. There are two main categories of coordinate systems in ArcGIS – geographic coordinate systems and projected coordinate…

Defining the Problem: Misaligned Geometries and Invalid Topologies When working with spatial data in ArcGIS, a common task is to intersect two datasets – often a grid and zones – to perform spatial analysis. However, attempting to intersect geometries that do not properly align or contain invalid overlaps will result in errors or inadequate results….

What is a Spatial Query? A spatial query is a type of database query that allows users to retrieve and analyze data based on location and spatial relationships. In ArcGIS, spatial queries enable users to select, search, and extract features or raster cells based on both their attribute values and spatial locations or extents. Some…

Leveraging Python in ArcGIS for Efficient Workflows ArcGIS provides advanced geoprocessing and geospatial analysis capabilities out-of-the-box. However, mastering the Python programming language unlocks the full potential of ArcGIS through the ArcPy site package. ArcPy enables automating complex workflows, ensuring repeatable processes, and building custom tools and applications. This article provides actionable insights into: Core concepts…

The Problem with Clicking The graphical user interface of ArcGIS provides an easy way to explore geospatial data and create simple maps. However, more complex geoprocessing workflows often require tedious sequences of tool dialog boxes and menu clicks. Each step must be manually adjusted and executed, making it time-consuming to perform multi-step analyses. Without scripting,…