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arcgisscripting and arcpy object model diagrams

NathanWarmerdam

For python scripters, the most useful piece of documentation at 9.x was the Geoprocessing Programming Model (seen here: http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/pdf/Geoprocessor_93.pdf). This is extraordinarily useful because it presents the whole of arcgisscripting concisely on a single page.

In the documentation for 10.0, this item cannot be found for arcgisscripting or arcpy. Can you please add this?

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Status: Closed

Comments

DanPatterson_Retired

It isn't going to fit on a page anymore but David Wynne posted a useful module that will allow you to browse what is there without having to use Python's help(module) or dir(module) options
http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/10395-Geoprocessing-modules-tools-functions-reference-listing
perhaps a small volume will be needed. The help files still contain the most information

ChrisMathers

I was told at the UC that there will not be one for arcpy. The poster would just be too large so they were going to make the help files as through as possible.

NathanWarmerdam

I understand that it has gotten larger. However, I figure if it can be done for arcobjects then it can be done for scripting too. I'm not picturing a single giant diagram, I'm picturing three or four different diagrams (at the very least separate out the mapping, spatial, and geostat modules).
I also know that they have said there won't be one, but isn't this what this ideas site is all about, advocating for things that aren't in the software but we users feel should be? 🙂

CPoynter

I would like to at least see diagrams for each of the libraries/modules (eg. mapping, spatial, and geostat). Either that, or some way of downloading the arcpy documentation (that contains examples) (eg. PDF), instead of having to open the online help, so that the whole documentation may be printed easily.

DanielKoechli

I completely support that idea. An OMD is an absolute must and it was a great help for me to have access to OMD's while programming with VBA.

RebeccaCottle1

I support this idea.

RussellKallstrom

Thanks for posting, all. Our company is set to go to 10 in the next several months, but we're all still on 9.3.1. I wholeheartedly agree with everyone's comments on getting a geoprocessing model diagram for 10. I had hoped to preview a 10 diagram before we made the switch.

I used to rely heavily on VBA to get work done, particularly the code block with "Calculate Field" in 9.3. When I saw the writing on the wall with announcements about ArcGIS 10, I started learning Python and the 9.3 geoprocessing object model so I could smooth the transition into more of a scripting environment, or at least be integrated within Modelbuilder.

This diagram for 9.3 was critical to me learning the object basics. Getting it on to one page is nice, but not as important as having the information in the first place and in a visual, usable form (The OMD for ArcPad 7.1 wasn't 1 page either). It was concise, but the other great things about the 9.3 diagram were that it was a PDF: downloadable, printable, zoomable, searchable, self-contained and covered the material. ESRI, please don't make arcpy, arcane.

RaymondBrunner1

I too would find this a very useful tool.

ChrisSnyder5

Me too!

I use my v9.3.1 GP OMD all the time...

MattRosales

Amazingly useful for 9.3, certainly lacking in 10.

WilliamKinzie

I need the geoprocessor model diragram for 10, it is a necessary tool!!!!

TaoLi1

yeah bump
no body wants to read the man

LindseyKnapp

I am trying to learn python for GIS and it would be extremely helpful to have.

ChuckStelzner

How about just giving Python full ArcObjects access? That would solve a few problems.

MartinRick

Definetly! A full ArcObjects access would be great for Python! Can remember so many cases when I reached the limits of the Python API for ArcGIS scripting!

AndyRitchie

I would also really like to see Full ArcObject access.

CarolMckee

I really miss this documentation as I am fairly new to python, and used it extensively in the python course based on 9.3

KathSund

I teach the Intro to Python course, and everyone relies on the OMD (9.3.1) , and I expect the version 10 course participants will expect the same... a useful takeaway from the course.... and even if large, people could purchase a small book/guide etc.

BrianGelder

Ditto

AlperALTINOK

An empty A3 sized space on my wall is waiting for this poster !!!

Ryan_Galbraith

I don't care if it takes up three or four posters, it is a necessity in my office!

AprilBrough

Even if it isn't all-encompassing, the programming model was a great tool to hand to newbies to give them an overall picture. And helpful to those of us that forget things. It doesn't have to be 10 stories tall, just a basic road map. ESRI does do mapping, doesn't it? 😉 Even the old models didn't contain all things Python; it just helped you navigate through different aspects the geoprocessor. If a new model isn't created for v10, I think people will just continue to hand around the 9.3 version and try to verbally explain changes. Not the most convenient approach.

AdamRoberts2

Would be a huge help...

HaraldGladytz2

Would be a great help ...

LeoForetich_Jr

Please

thierryboch1

it would be very very useful

Chris Fox

Thank you for posting the idea along with all your comments for why you feel the OMD is particularly valuable in your work. There are a few reasons we have chosen not to produce object model diagrams for the ArcPy site package. Traditionally Python’s own modules and other 3rd party site packages do not carry Object Model Diagrams. An OMD was provided with arcgisscripting to help customers comfortable with ArcObjects and its Object Model Diagram make the transition to Python. At ArcGIS 10, ArcPy was more than just a name change; it was a change in the way we organized and presented our python implementation, something that is more in line with the idea of a true Python site-package. In addition, major efforts have been made to improve the help for Python at ArcGIS 10. With arcgisscripting, there was limited intellisense and doc strings, so without some visual help directly in front of you, it was very difficult to know what functions and properties existed. The help is also better structured in ArcGIS 10.0 under the topic ‘The ArcPy Site-package’ with a list of all the functions and classes and embedded links between related topics. With these improvements to the documentation and built-in help within Python we believe all the resources are in place to successfully navigate ArcPy.

KatieBrien

Chris,

As a visual learner, I have always loved Object models as it helps filter through all the Python doc files. I find that in order to search for the right doc file you need to know where to start, as a python learner trapsing through all the ESRI doc files is in my mind a waste of time if I don't know where to start. For example, without the 9.3 geoprocessor model I wouldn't have been able to find the Centerpoint property because when you search for centerpoint in the help files, you get a lot of garbage before you get to the programming side of things.

Personally I think ESRI has done a great diservice to customer by not providing this as it made programmers lives a hell of a lot easier to get around updates and additions to geoprocessing with python.

ljfaucher

Sounds like this idea has been shut down, as per Chris_Fox's reply. As an ESRI Distributor employee and ArcGIS instructor, I am seriously disappointed by this. Still, keep asking your friends and colleagues to promote this idea! you never know

BradFisher3

A 'slight' oversite on esri's behalf.