Feels simple but again having problems...opening ArcMap with Python

[MikePowell]

I can open ArcMap with python using os.system. The first problem I seem to have is that it takes like 10 sec to open which I think messes up the script. I think I figured that out but know I want to zoom to a particular township\range\section that I have from a text file. Once I can zoom to that particular spot, I need to refresh the map and export it to .pdfs, and go on the the next township\range\section on the list. The last couple of items I think I have figured out but it is zoom in from a list that I am having problem with. Any ideas?

[LoganPugh]

I have not looked into it much, but the arcpy.mapping module is supposed to be able to do most of this, including opening MXDs. I am sure there are limitations to it as it's not meant to completely replace ArcObjects, which is what you would have had to use in the past.

[MikePowell]

Thanks, I understand that Arcpy.mapping is the way to go with this, but I am still having problems zooming in to a particular township\range\section when the given township\range\section is in a .txt file. I have a PLSS feature class. How do I compare a column in that with what is in the .txt file? I guess that is what me question\problem is.