1. How to automatise the grid production - using model builder in ArcGIS
Ola Nordbeck
Statistics Norway

2. Objectives Basics Model benefits Document a model and its components
Parameterize the tools
Other tips
Demo and exercise

3. Basics
Models are a series of geoprocessing tools that facilitate the automation of complex or repetitive tasks
Model Builder is a graphical interface that allows users to easily create models using existing tools and data
Requires no programming experience

4. Basics – creating a model
Any tool, script or data can be included in the model by dragging and dropping

5. Basic – Model elements Tools Data Drag and drop into window
Use Add button
Data
Drag and drop into window
Drag and drop onto tools
Fill in dialog
In ArcMap, from the TOC
Use Add button

6. Basics – work flow
Derived data from one tool may be used as input to one or more other tools

7. Basic - Run States
Not ready to run – input is set, tool parameters are not
Ready to run
Already Run (tool and output are shadowed)

8. Model Benefits
Models provide an easy way to interpret visual representation of the data and workflow
Models can be reused and shared, and are easy to modify if necessary
Models are much more convenient than running many tools individually
Models can be useful in project documentation

9. Documentation
Documentation for a model can be viewed in the model dialog box, ArcCatalog, or Desktop Help
On the model context menu in ArcCatalog, choose Item Description…, then click the Edit icon to add information
Basic documentation (name, label and description) can also be added on the model properties dialog

10. Parameters Any information used by a tool is a parameter
Parameters can be hardcoded or set so a user can enter values
For example, it is often a good idea to set tool inputs as parameters to make models more flexible
It is also useful to make variables for some tool inputs and expose them as parameters for user input (example coming up)

11. Parameters
All tool parameters can be set using the Open… option on the tool’s context menu

12. Shaded variables have hardcoded values
Example
Shaded variables have hardcoded values
Variables

13. Model Dialog with no Parameters or Documentation
Some models have no parameters

14. Example with Parameters
Variables with a “P” are now parameters
Variable names are more meaningful

15. Model Dialog with Parameters and Documentation
Parameters are listed in the order they were added to the model
Order can be changed in the model properties

16. Tips
Working in the model builder application vs. using the model as a tool
Keep vs. delete intermediate data
Run vs. Run Entire Model
Iteration – added from Insert menu or set in the model properties
Add to Display
Export to script

17. Demo and exercise Go through the tools used in the exercise:
“Production of gridded population statistics”