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Python training courses for use with ESRI ArcMap software

Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2010-06-23 19:35:35 - Graham Ellis

It's not the first time I've been asked whether our course in Python covers ESRI / ArcMap software, and whether it's a suitable learning vehicle for Python for use that environment. On the basis that "twice asked is twenty times wondered", I'm posting the generalised question and answer here.

Q: I was interested in taking your Introduction to Python Programming with room. Are you familiar with and would it be possible to add an additional day to learn about the specifics of programming Python for ESRI ArcMap GIS software? How much would the additional day cost with room if such training would be available?

A: Yes - we have places available (including a room) for the dates you listed - and I'm copying our admin office to make a note that you may be booking (that way it means we're holding a place for a few days while you decide).

I am not familiar personally (nor are any of our team) with the ESRI software, save for the fact that I had a similar request once before, and spend a while looking into it. That means I can give you quite a quick, but well researched, answer now. The ESRI folks themselves off Python in ESRI training - or rather, they offer courses in their own software, which includes some Python; there's a two day beginner's course that runs in Aylesbury and Colorado to my knowledge, and a three day advanced one. From their course descriptions, only a minority of the course is about Python with most of the teaching being about their own software, and their prices are much higher than we would charge for a course of the same length.



I'll be the tutor in August. I would very happily have you for a place on the Python course then, and would tailor the presentation to take account of the sort of things you might encounter in the GIS system. I would encourage you to bring your own laptop, with ESRI software running on it, so that we could look at how it interfaces to Python towards the end of the week, or to have access to a system that you can use via the internet to add that extra element; I've done this sort of thing before, and whilst not an expert at the ESRI software, with their examples, documentation, system, I suspect we would both learn a very great deal - especially if you know their systems well already and just need to add the Python element.

With regard to an extra day on the following day ... I'm scheduled already to be giving another course; looking at our bookings, it look as if (unusually) the course is empty, so I could be available for an extra day (350 pounds + 60 for room + VAT) if you wished - but you would need to book that quickly so that I can drop that other course before I am committed to it. I do think the extra day would be very useful and effective for you if you have some good prior knoweldge of the ESRI systems - if you're new to ESRI software as well as Python, I think you would be well advised to learn that element from them


Pictures - delegates on a course at Well House Manor, and one of our delegate bedrooms. We specialise in niche courses and our delegates come from far and wide - so we've added hotel (4 star quality at least) rooms at our training centre. If you stay with us, you can even carry on and use the training room in the evening if you want more practise!