ModelBuilder for Beginners Heather McCann January 20, 2010 ModelBuilder for Beginners

Welcome! Has anyone here: Used a GIS? Attended an MIT GIS workshop? Built a model (LabView, VB, others)?

Today you will: Be introduced to ModelBuilder Learn why you may want to use it Create /edit a simple model using ModelBuilder Connect multiple tasks together in one model Add models to ArcToolbox for future use Export models in a way that makes them usable by others

What is ModelBuilder? A modeling program that allows you to build and connect geoprocessing tasks graphically. Can save the processes for future use or export to support your documentation (can save as a Python, VBscript or Jscript).

Why would you use ModelBuilder? Automate repetitive tasks Run complex analyses – even overnight! Build repeatable/reusable workflows Document processes performed on datasets (for publication or thesis work) Create tools for future use as is, or build them into more complex processes Visualize complicated workflows

Some starting points Build models by building and connecting processes. A process is a tool plus its variables. The individual parts of a process are called elements. The simplest model will include input data (variable), process that tells the tool what to do, and output data.

Without further ado… ModelBuilder