Frequently asked questions
Does this work with both ArcGIS Pro and QGIS?
Yes. Every script that applies to both platforms is given twice — once as an ArcPy script for ArcGIS Pro and once as a PyQGIS script for QGIS — so you can use whichever GIS you already have.
Do I need a paid ArcGIS license?
No. Every ArcPy script has a PyQGIS equivalent, and QGIS is free and open source, so the full book is usable without an Esri license.
Do I need prior Python experience?
No. The book opens with a beginner-friendly foundation section covering Python and geoprocessing basics before moving into the task-by-task scripts, so it works as a tutorial as well as a reference.
What GIS tasks does this book automate?
Batch format conversion, coordinate system detection and reprojection at scale, clipping/merging/dissolving many files at once, attribute automation, spatial overlay, map layout automation, and topology quality-control checks.
What format is the book available in?
Kindle eBook ($9.99) and paperback ($24.99) on Amazon. It is Book 1 of the 4-book SM Datum Toolkit Series, and Amazon shows a discounted price when you buy multiple books in the series together.
