When working with ArcGIS, it's important to understand the Python tools available for different GIS tasks. Two essential tools are ArcPy and the ArcGIS API for Python.
ArcPy
ArcPy is primarily used for core GIS applications. It is a Python package that provides a way to perform various tasks related to geographic data analysis, data conversion, data management, and map automation, as well as access to the approximately 2,000 geoprocessing tools using Python.
It requires an ArcGIS product to use, such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Server, or ArcGIS Notebooks.
ArcPy allows you to automate repetitive tasks, create custom geoprocessing workflows, and extend the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro. It includes access to industry-leading spatial analysis and spatial machine learning algorithms.
It is used to work with data on a local machine, perform analysis, and automate tasks using ArcGIS Pro.
ArcGIS API for Python
The ArcGIS API for Python is designed for web GIS. It is a Python library that provides a wide range of capabilities for performing GIS visualization and analysis, spatial data management, and GIS system administration tasks.
It can be used both interactively and through scripting, making it a versatile tool for GIS professionals. The ArcGIS API for Python is included with ArcGIS Pro, but also works with ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise.
With the ArcGIS API for Python, you can create and manipulate GIS data, perform spatial analysis, publish maps and layers to the web, and much more. You can work with GIS data and services hosted on ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise, and create web applications using Python.
It is used to manage and analyze web GIS data, automate administrative tasks, and create web maps and applications.