ArcGIS Python GUIs

Abstract

The graphical user interfaces (GUIs) discussed in the previous chapter create file browsing interfaces with simple Python calls to the tkFileDialog module. Some applications may require additional input (other than files/directories). Or you may want to create one GUI dialog that accepts multiple input parameters. If the application is meant to be run in an environment where ArcGIS is installed, Script Tools and Python toolboxes provide a solution for building GUIs with these characteristics. ‘Script Tool’ is an ESRI term for an ArcGIS construct that resides within a custom toolbox and points to an underlying Python script. By using a Script Tool, you can create a custom GUI that looks similar to the built-in ArcGIS tool GUIs. You can also add a button to one of the ArcGIS menus, so that users can launch the tool with one button click. Python toolboxes are another way to create GUIs that look just like Script Tool GUIs. A Python toolbox is a text file containing Python classes to define the toolbox and tools. Script Tools are a good way to learn about the GUI options available; Python toolboxes are an efficient way to develop tools, once you understand these options. This chapter introduces Script Tools and then steps through the various customization techniques. Last, Python toolboxes are discussed.