Key FeaturesDelve into the undocumented features of the new QGIS processing moduleGet a set of user-friendly recipes that can automate the entire geospatial workflows by connecting Python GIS building blocks into comprehensive processesThis book has a complete code upgrade to QGIS 2.18 and 30 new, valuable recipesBook DescriptionQGIS is a desktop geographic information system that facilitates data viewing, editing, and analysis. Paired with the most efficient scripting language—Python, we can write effective scripts that extend the core functionality of QGIS.Based on the latest version QGIS 2.18, this book will teach you how to write Python code that works with spatial data to automate geoprocessing tasks in QGIS. It will cover topics such as querying and editing vector data and using raster data. You will also learn to create, edit, and optimize a vector layer for faster queries, reproject a vector layer, reduce the number of vertices in a vector layer without losing critical data, and convert a raster to a vector. Following this, you will work through recipes that will help you compose static maps, create heavily customized maps, and add specialized labels and annotations. As well as this, we’ll also share a few tips and tricks based on different aspects of QGIS.What you will learnUse Python and QGIS to produce captivating GIS visualizations and build complex map layoutsFind out how to effectively use the poorly-documented and undocumented features of the QGIS Python APIAutomate entire geospatial workflows by connecting Python GIS building blocks into comprehensive processesCreate, import, and edit geospatial data on disk or in-memoryChange QGIS settings programmatically to control default behaviorAutomatically generate PDF map booksBuild dynamic forms for field inputAbout the AuthorJoel Lawhead is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of NVisionSolutions Inc., an award-winning firm that specializes in geospatial technology integration and sensor engineering. Joel began using Python in 1997 and began combining it with geospatial software development in 2000.He is the author of Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python, Packt Publishing. His Python cookbook recipes were featured in two editions of Python Cookbook, O'Reilly Media. He is also the developer of the widely used, open-source Python Shapefile Library (PyShp) and maintains the geospatial technical blog GeospatialPython.com and the Twitter feed @SpatialPython, which discuss the use of the Python programming language within the geospatial industry.In 2011, Joel reverse engineered and published the undocumented shapefile spatial indexing format and assisted fellow geospatial Python developer, Marc Pfister, in reversing the algorithm used, allowing developers around the world to create better-integrated and more robust geospatial applications involving shapefiles.Joel served as the lead architect, project manager, and co-developer for geospatial applications used by US government agencies, including NASA, FEMA, NOAA, the US Navy, and many other commercial and non-profit organizations. In 2002, he received the international Esri Special Achievement in GIS award for his work on the Real-Time Emergency Action Coordination Tool (REACT), for emergency management using geospatial analysis.
Author: Joel Lawhead