You're a GIS professional who wants to improve your programming skills. What's the best way to start?

My first RANDOM attempts to automate something using Python in ArcGIS were when I discovered that in the history for every tool I launched, there was a right-click to access the option Copy Python Command where you get a line of code in Python for the same tool, same input data and parameters. So I ran of several tools as a Python script consist of those command lines through the Python console in ArcGIS. Eventually, I made bigger and more complex scripts, but I think it's a very fun way to get some results and to have an insight into how well a good script will facilitate geospatial processes and automate them. If you happen to be using ArcGIS Desktop, that option is called Copy as Python Snippet

Select a programming language commonly used in GIS, such as Python, enroll in an online platforms like Coursera, or Udemy for structured programming courses. Explore GIS-specific tutorials and resources (like Esri community) for programming within tools like ArcGIS or QGIS. Gain hands-on experience by working on real GIS problems, automating tasks, and analyzing spatial data programmatically.

If you're a GIS professional looking to improve your programming abilities, think about taking these steps: Learn Python: A lot of GIS programming uses Python. Freely available resources from online is very helpful for this purpose.For spatial data processing, start with the fundamentals of Python syntax and work your way up to libraries like Shapely, Geopandas, and Fiona. Investigate GIS Libraries: Learn how to use GIS-specific libraries like Pyproj, GDAL, Fiona, and GeoPanda. You can consider attending workshops too to get more insights. Work with Actual Data Practice: This practical experience will improve your comprehension and assist you in overcoming obstacles.

Selecting the right programming language is crucial. Python stands out for its versatility and compatibility with various GIS software and libraries like ArcGIS and QGIS. R is ideal for statistical analysis and data visualization, with packages such as sf and sp for spatial data handling. JavaScript is excellent for web-based mapping applications, leveraging frameworks like Leaflet and OpenLayers. Depending on project requirements and personal preferences, mastering one or more of these languages can significantly enhance GIS skills and capabilities.

When diving into GIS programming, accessing diverse learning resources is key. Start with official documentation and websites of your chosen languages and GIS tools for foundational knowledge. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and EdX offer structured courses covering programming and GIS concepts. Blogs like GIS Lounge and Geospatial World provide insights and tutorials, while forums such as Stack Overflow and GIS Stack Exchange offer community-driven support. Exploring podcasts like GIS Podcasts can also provide valuable insights and inspiration. By leveraging these resources, you can accelerate your GIS skills development effectively.

Consistent practice is crucial for honing GIS programming skills. Begin by applying concepts from tutorials to real-world data and projects. Seek out challenges on platforms like Project Euler and Kaggle to test and reinforce your skills. Consider joining study groups or coding clubs to collaborate with peers and gain diverse perspectives. By practicing regularly and engaging with the GIS community, you'll accelerate your proficiency in programming for GIS applications.

Leverage existing GIS projects and code repositories on platforms like GitHub and ArcGIS Online to learn from others. Analyze code examples, explore functionalities, and dissect problem-solving approaches. Engage with the GIS community by seeking feedback on your own projects and actively participating in discussions. Learning from the experiences and insights of fellow programmers accelerates skill development in GIS programming.

Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with the latest advancements in GIS programming. Explore advanced topics through books, articles, and blogs, and participate in courses, workshops, and webinars to enhance your skills. Attend conferences, meetups, and events to discover emerging trends and best practices in the field. Joining networks and associations connects you with mentors and collaborators who can further support your learning journey.