Boosting Geoprocessing Productivity Continued from page 55 Task 4: Set Project Environments Now that the project folders have been created, the Current Workspace and the Scratch Workspace environment variables can be set. This is done at the application level (i.e., in ArcCatalog). In ArcCatalog, choose Tools > Options. In the Options dialog box, click the Geoprocessing tab and click the Environments button. Expand General Settings and set the Current Workspace to the indata folder in the BufferSelectedWells InStudyArea_12Okt09 project folder. Set the Scratch Workspace to the outdata folder, also in the project folder. If a project requires that the output coordinate system is consistent or a fixed extent, this is also where those parameters are set. Task 5: Document the Project Documenting the project is both important and easy. This process will also preserve the project. Everything needed to do this is built into ModelBuilder. 1. First, export the model as a graphic by choosing Model > Export > To Graphic. Save it as BufferSelectedWellsInStudyArea.jpg in the docs&pics folder. 2. Next, export the model as a Python script by choosing Model > Export > To Script > Python and save it using the project name in the scripts folder. [Note that the script created from the model does not contain the model iteration that was set using the Folder Name series variable. Setting iteration for the script requires just a few changes in the exported script, and those changes are shown in Listing 1.] Add labels to identify the purpose of the model. 3. The last thing to do to document the project is to create a model report. Choose Model > Report and save it in the docs&pics folder. Conclusion The true beauty of this process is that it can be reused with every project from now on. Simply follow the steps outlined in the Project Checklist that accompanies this article for projects that will be well organized, documented, and reusable. REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR GIS Work directly on screen to create, collaborate, and share. Wacom interactive pen displays allow GIS professionals to work faster and more comfortably. For more information on how Wacom can help you revolutionize your GIS workflow, visit us at: www.wacom.com/GIS or www.esri.com/wacom EXPERIENCE “I can complete a typical georeferencing project 20% faster with the Wacom pen and monitor, compared to the trackball method.” —Jenny Smithyman, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates “It is exactly what we needed to modernize our workflow.” — Gavin McGhie, Marin Municipal Water District “Nothing has streamlined my mapping workflow more than being able to map directly on the surface of a Wacom interactive pen display.” — Kyle House, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology © 2010 Wacom Technology Corporation. Wacom is a trademark of Wacom Company Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. 56 ArcUser Spring 2010 Esri_ARCUsers_7.24x4.75.indd 1 1/4/10 www.esri.com 12:08 PM