Python Instructions

To run any of our Python scripts, you will first need to have Python installed. If you have ArcGIS installed, you should already have a copy of Python installed. If not, Python is a free, open source programming environment which can be downloaded from the official website: https://www.python.org/downloads/

The scripts were developed and tested with Python version 3.9 on Windows 10.

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• After you have installed Python, download the .py script file to any folder on your computer.

• Check the README.txt file, if present, for an introduction and more information about running the specific script and any options. The .sig file is not needed. It is a signature file which can be used to verify authorship of the script.

• Double click the .py script on your computer.

• A command prompt window should pop-up and you should see a short introduction to the script.

  • If not, and you see a white window with Run in the submenu at the top, click Run and then Run Module.

  • If something else happens, Python may not be in your system's Environment Variables or .py files may not be associated with Python.

  • Your Python installation may be in a folder such as C:\Users\(YOUR USERNAME)\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39

  • If you have ArcGIS installed, search the installation folder for python.exe to find the path to it.

  • See this page for methods on adding Python to the Environment Variables.

  • You may also need to manually select python.exe for running .py files on Windows.

• Next, the script may prompt you for options, path(s), or settings.

• As the script runs, it may track progress and any errors and report them to you.

• After it has finished, it will notify you and you may review the terminal output, or close the window.