A Professional’s Guide to Data Processing with ESRI

ModelBuilderGarrett M. Shields, CFM

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure

What is ModelBuilder?

Application developed by ESRI Incorporated into ArcGIS Desktop Allows user to manage multiple

geoprocessing tasks Extends ArcGIS Functionality

It makes your life easier!

What does it do?

Creates custom geoprocessing tools by stringing together existing tools and scripts

Allows models to be shared Makes it possible to process large amounts of

data Perform complex analyses with relatively low

effort

Developing a Model

• Identify Task• Determine

Processing Steps

Collect Tools

• Determine Process order

• Collect Input Data and Variables

Configure Model • Test Each Step

• Perform a Dry Run• Set Model

Parameters

Finalize and Run Model

Before You Start…

Ask yourself…◦ What are you trying to accomplish?◦ Will this task be repeated?◦ Model development time vs. processing time

Let’s Get Started!

Building a Model

Building a Model

Building a Model

Building a Model

Some Considerations

Run each tool the first time you configure the model

Consider saving the model in a Toolbox Name the model something useful Consistent File Names

Make Your Model Repeatable

There are many ways to ensure that your model can be repeated in the future◦ Variables such as Dynamic Workspaces◦ In-Line Variables◦ Memory Functions◦ Preconditions

All are designed to make youFASTER

Variables

Model objects defined by the user◦ Virtually anything can be a variable

Workspaces Datasets Cell Sizes Coordinate Systems Etc…

Dynamic Workspaces

Input/Output locations for the model Reduces the number of parameters needed Helps to ensure consistency of results

Dynamic Workspaces

In-Line Substitutions◦ Wildcard Values◦ Uses the “%” Symbol

Memory Functions◦ Allows for output data to

be saved in computer RAM

◦ Vector Data only

Variables From Tool Parameters◦ Certain tool parameters

can be set as variables◦ Allows for more flexibility

Additional Variables

Preconditions

Maximizes workflow Allows the user to control when each

process runs Makes for a more stable model

Precondition

Iterators

Allows a model to run processes concurrently over multiple datasets

Eliminates the need to repeat a process manually Several Types of Iterators Able to be recursive

ModelBuilder goes beyond ArcToolbox◦ Integrate Custom Scripts or call other programs

◦ Integrate other models

◦ Export models to custom scripts

◦ Share your models via ArcGIS Online

Advanced Functionality

How can ModelBuilder help me?◦ Here are some examples…◦ Automated Data Mining for Site Maps

Can I Model It?

Property Address• Geocode a Point• Select Parcel File

Pull Relevant Site Data• Table with owner and

structure info• Clip contour data

Perform Site Analysis• Create DEM from

LiDAR • Calculate area,

HAG/LAG

Yes You Can!

◦ Mosquito Vector Control Analysis

Can I Model It?

Treatment Sites• Calculate Statistics• Create a Density Raster

Gather Information• Calculate Proximity to

Public spaces• Schools• Parks

Yes You Can!

◦ Building Footprint Data Conflation

Can I Model It?

Conflate Parcel Data

• Intersect Footprints with Parcels

• Calculate Parcel Info

• Export to Web Portal

Yes You Can!

Develop your processing concept Determine whether it is time efficient to

develop a model Be consistent with file names BE ORGANIZED Make your model repeatable

◦ Use workspaces and variables Develop custom toolboxes Share your model

Summary

Questions?

Garrett M. Shields, CFMAMEC Environment & Infrastructure

Office: (919)-381-9906Email: garrett.shields@amec.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettshields