This paper will introduce students briefly to graphical models (Model Builder) but focuses mainly on Python programming for automated GIS analysis. The assessment consists of six lab exercises and a project whereby students apply automated spatial analysis to an application of their choice. The paper is taught as a block course and consists of four days of supported learning in a computer lab plus additional time working independently to complete labs and the project – see schedule below for the dates.

While learning how to automate GIS, students will also be gaining an understanding of GIS functions and data sets. An important part of the paper will be to gain confidence in GIS for a range of applications in both human and physical geography. The best way to learn programming is to actually do hands on programming, so this course is taught in a computer lab. There will be brief discussions in the lab and then you are expected to work on the labs exercises.

Students are not expected to have any prior knowledge in programming. Through a sequence of intermediate steps students will be shown how to build a series of GIS functions that can be executed automatically. This can then be applied repeatedly for different data sets and areas.