Accessing ArcPy modules with Python

Up to this point, we have covered some basic concepts related to ArcPy. In addition to the basic ArcPy site package, there are a number of modules that you can use to access specific functionality. These modules must be specifically imported into your scripts before you can use the functionality provided. In this recipe, you will learn how to import these modules.

Getting ready

In addition to providing access to tools, functions, and classes, ArcPy also provides several modules. Modules are purpose-specific Python libraries containing functions and classes. The modules include a Mapping module (arcpy.mapping), a Data Access module (arcpy.da), a Spatial Analyst module (arcpy.sa), a Geostatistical module (arcpy.ga), a Network Analyst module (arcpy.na), and a Time module (arcpy.time). To use the functions and classes included with each of these modules you must specifically import their associated libraries.

How to do it…

Follow these steps to learn how...