Mastering ArcGIS Pro ArcPy Search, Insert, & Update Cursors

Name: Mastering ArcGIS Pro ArcPy Search, Insert, & Update Cursors
Rating: 4.5 (13 reviews)

Learn from an Esri Community MVP! This course takes you from zero to hero using ArcPy Data Cursors!

Created byGlen Bambrick

Last updated 12/2023

English

What you'll learn

A comprehensive overview of the ArcPy SearchCursor, InsertCursor, and UpdateCursor.
Leverage the SearchCursor query capabilities for more efficient and enhanced workflows.
Data Management processes with the Search, Insert, and Delete Cursors.
Using Cursors in Custom Tools in ArGIS Pro for improved automation techniques.
An all encompassing deep dive into the Search, Insert, and Delete Cursors with tips and pitfalls.
Deploy Python List, Set, and Dictionary Comprehensions for code and workflow efficiencies.

Course content

6 sections • 49 lectures • 4h 39m total length

Introduction4:21
Course Data & Setup5:48
Let's get you setup and running for the course. In this video we will look at downloading and accessing the course material.
ArcGIS Pro 21-Day Trial3:56
Download and Install PyScripter3:41

Search Cursor Overview2:29
This video provides a description and short overview of the SearchCursor.
Esri Search Cursor Documentation9:11
Search Cursor with Required Parameters Only6:58
In this video we will use the SearchCursor within ArcGIS Pro and only use the two required parameters necessary to operate. We use the SearchCursor to iterate through all records in a layer.
Search Cursor with where_clause5:58
In this video we will witness the power of the where_clause parameter. The where_clause is an SQL statement used to limit the number of records returned from the SearchCursor.
Search Cursor with Tokens8:16
In this video we will use field Tokens to access system maintained fields and the geometry of a feature.
Search Cursor with spatial_reference and datum_transformation6:11
In this video we will assess the use of the optional spatial_reference and datum_transformation parameters.
Search Cursor with explode_to_points5:12
In this video we will take a look at using the optional explode_to_points parameter with the SearchCursor.
Search Cursor with sql_clause6:42
In this video we will assess the use of the optional sql_clause with the SearchCursor.
Search Cursor with spatial_filter8:58
In this video we will see the optional spatial_filter parameter in action. This parameter is new as of ArcGIS Pro 3.2. If you do not have ArcGIS Pro 3.2 do not worry, just watch the video and see the capabilities. The workflow in this video will not have an affect on material for the rest of the course.
Search Cursor fields Property4:21
The SearchCursor only has one property and that is the fields property. We will see how you can return a list of field names used by the cursor.
Search Cursor reset() Method3:41
In this video we will see the SearchCursor reset() method in action. The reset() method sets the cursor back to the first row.
Search Cursor next() method3:37
In this video we showcase how we can move through each row, returned from a SearchCursor, one row at a time.
Search Cursor with List Comprehension10:23
In this video we will witness the power and efficiencies when combining the SearchCursor with Python List Comprehension.
Search Cursor with Set Comprehension4:01
In this video we will see the value in using Python Set Comprehension with a SerchCursor to efficiently retrieve unique values for a field.
Search Cursor with Dictionary Comprehension5:39
In this video we will use the SearchCursor in tandem with Python Dictionary Comprehension to showcase how to store attribute information with ArcPy scripts.
Additional Content: More on Unique Field Attribute Values using Search Cursor7:36
Getting unique values using a SearchCursor will more than likely be required at some stage. It is something that I have used on almost any project I have worked with for quick data exploration and also for reporting.
The SearchCursor Quiz

Insert Cursor Overview1:57
In this video we get a brief introduction to the InsertCursor.
Esri Insert Cursor Documentation7:43
In this video we will walkthrough the Esri documentation for the Insert Cursor.
Insert Cursor with Required Parameters9:03
In this video we will insert new features to a point and polygon layers using the InsertCursor and only using the required parameters for the InsertCursor to work.
Additional Information: Insert Cursor with Point Features5:42
In this video we take a look at Esri recommendations for using the InsertCursor with Point feature classes.
Insert Cursor with datum_transformation8:07
In this video we will see the importance of using a datum transformation when using the InsertCursor to insert geometry from one feature class to another.
Insert Cursor with explicit Field Values7:34
In this video we will assess the use of the optional explicit parameter when using the InsertCursor.
Insert Cursor fields Property2:06
The InsertCursor object has one property, the fields property.
Insert Cursor insertRow() Method10:33
We have been using the insertRow() method throughout this section, here, we will learn some more information about the method itself.
The Insert Cursor Quiz

Jumping in at this Point! No need to go through all the InsertCursor workflow2:00
This video will show you how to setup the data if you are skipping InsertCursors or are returning to restart the course at this point.
Update Cursor Overview2:14
This video is a brief introduction to the UpdateCursor
Esri Update Cursor Documentation11:28
In this video we will walkthrough the Esri documentation for the Update Cursor. You can download a .txt file containing a link to the documentation in the Resources for this video.
Update Cursor with Required Parameters6:08
In this video we will use the UpdateCursor with required parameters only to update field attributes in a feature class.
Update Cursor with where_clause5:45
In this video we will use the optional where_clause parameter with the UpdateCursor to limit the rows returned by the cursor. This will enable us to update a subset of features.
Update Cursor with Tokens12:28
In this video we will use field tokens to access system maintained and geometry fields for a feature. While most system maintained fields are read-only, we can use tokens with an UpdateCursor to update feature geometries.
Update Cursor with explode_to_points5:41
In this video we will assess the optional explode_to_points parameter with the UpdateCursor.
Update Cursor with sql_clause7:02
In this video we will assess the use of the optional sql_clause with the UpdateCursor. Heads-up! It doesn't make for great watching as most of the clauses are defunct with the UpdateCursor. Its almost like the documentation was copied and pasted from the SearchCursor with little thought.
Update Cursor with explicit Field Values5:51
In this video we will take a look at the optional explicit parameter with the UpdateCursor. The explicit parameter enables you to override a default value and set as NULL if the field allows NULL values.
Update Cursor with spatial_filter9:55
In this video we will see the optional spatial_filter parameter in action with the UpdateCursor. This parameter is new as of ArcGIS Pro 3.2. If you do not have ArcGIS Pro 3.2 do not worry, just watch the video and see the capabilities. You could also download a trial version of ArcGIS Pro for access to 3.2
Update Cursor field Property1:49
In this short video we will see the only property available with the UpdateCursor, the fields property, which allows you to access a tuple of field names used by the cursor.
Update Cursor updateRow() Method5:03
We have been using the UpdateCursor updateRow() method throughout this section, lates take a deeper look.
Update Cursor deleteRow() Method3:32
In this video we will asses the use of the UpdateCursor deleteRow() method.
Update Cursor reset() Method4:35
In this video we will look at the reset() method available with the UpdateCursor.
Update Cursor with built-in Python next() Function4:50
In this video we will use the in-built Python next() function to iterate through rows in an UpdateCursor one-by-one.

Requirements

ArcGIS Pro Basic license.
Basic knowledge of Python Programming language.
Basic knowledge for navigating around ArcGIS Pro (Contents, Catalog, Geoprocessing panels for example)
Some experience with ArcPy is beneficial but not essential.
Basic knowledge of attribute tables in ArcGIS Pro.

Description

Unlock the full potential of ArcPy Cursors with our intensive and in-depth course, "Mastering ArcGIS Pro ArcPy Search, Insert, & Update Cursors." Designed for GIS professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts, this course delves into the intricacies of Search, Insert, and Update Cursors in the ArcPy library, empowering you to manipulate and manage spatial data with precision and efficiency.

Key Learning Objectives:

Search Cursors:
- Understand the fundamentals of Search Cursors and their role in querying spatial data.
- Explore advanced querying techniques to extract specific information from feature classes.
Insert Cursors:
- Gain proficiency in using Insert Cursors to add new records to your feature classes.
Update Cursors:
- Dive into the world of Update Cursors to modify existing spatial data.
- Implement conditional updates.
Real-world Applications:
- Apply your newfound skills to real-world GIS scenarios with Custom tools.
- Showcase practical exercises to reinforce your understanding of ArcPy Cursors in action.

By the end of this course, you'll have the expertise to navigate ArcPy Cursors confidently, enabling you to streamline your GIS workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and unleash the full potential of spatial data manipulation in ArcGIS Pro. Elevate your GIS skills and become a proficient ArcPy developer with our comprehensive deep dive into Cursors. Enroll now and take the next step in mastering the ArcPy library! The online geospatial communities and forums are littered with questions about ArcPy Cursors. This course will set you up to successfully implement cursors with your daily ArcPy tasks.

Your course instructor, Glen Bambrick, has over 17 years' experience with GIS and geospatial data, and has implemented standardized workflows utilizing ArcPy to great affect. Glen is an huge advocate for standardized data management and content management. ArcPy Cursors are a daily routine.

This course mainly uses the Python Window in AcrGIS Pro to write and run Python code. In some videos we use PyScripter to write the Python code. You can use any code editor software that you prefer. The course solely focusses on ArcPy and no other third-party modules are utilized.

The Mastering ArcGIS Pro ArcPy Search, Insert, & Update Cursors course requires a Basic license for ArcGIS Pro. Only tools and workflows that can be performed at the basic license level are used and assessed during the course.

Please Note! ArcGIS Pro requires a license to use which is a paid license. You can get a 21-day free trial, or you can get a Personal Use license for a fraction of a Commercial license.

It is recommended to get the free trial if you have no other access to ArcGIS Pro software.

Who this course is for:

ArcPy users who wish to unlock the power of Cursors with Python and ArcGIS Pro.
Automation enthusiasts who want to manipulate tabular data in ArcGIS Pro via Python.
ArcGIS Pro users who are interested in learning ArcPy and its capabilities with interacting with feature classes, tables, and map layers.

Mastering ArcGIS Pro ArcPy Search, Insert, & Update Cursors

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction4 lectures • 18min

Search Cursor16 lectures • 1hr 39min

Insert Cursor8 lectures • 53min

Update Cursor15 lectures • 1hr 28min

Cursors in Action with Custom ArcGIS Pro Tool: Feature Vertices to Points3 lectures • 10min

Cursors in Action with Custom ArcGIS Pro Tool: Archive Deleted Rows3 lectures • 11min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: