What is geoprocessing?

Geoprocessing is a framework and set of tools for processing geographic and related data. The comprehensive suite of geoprocessing tools can be used to perform spatial analysis or manage GIS data in an automated way. Geoprocessing is for everyone that uses ArcGIS Pro. Whether you are a new or advanced user, geoprocessing will likely be an essential part of your day-to-day work.

Geoprocessing is used to automate GIS tasks and for modeling and analysis
Geoprocessing is used to automate GIS tasks and for modeling and analysis

A typical geoprocessing tool performs an operation on a dataset such as a feature class, raster, or table, and creates a resulting output dataset. For example, the Buffer tool takes features as input, creates buffer areas around the features to a specified distance, and writes those buffer areas to a new output dataset.

In addition to the suite of tools, geoprocessing is also a powerful framework that supports control of the processing environment and allows you to build custom tools that can further automate your work. You can use the geoprocessing tools included in ArcGIS Pro as building blocks to create an infinite number of custom tools that automate repetitive tasks or solve complex problems.

In ArcGIS Pro you can do the following:

Get started with a quick tour of geoprocessing in ArcGIS Pro, or the quick-start tutorial Use geoprocessing tools.