QGIS Python Programming Cookbook - Second Edition by Joel Lawhead

Key FeaturesDelve into the undocumented features of the QGIS APIGet a set of user-friendly recipes that can automate entire geospatial workflows by connecting Python GIS building blocks into comprehensive processesThis book has a complete code upgrade to QGIS 2.18 and 30 new, valuable recipesBook DescriptionQGIS is a desktop geographic information system that facilitates data viewing, editing, and analysis. Paired with the most efficient scripting language—Python, we can write effective scripts that extend the core functionality of QGIS. Based on version QGIS 2.18, this book will teach you how to write Python code that works with spatial data to automate geoprocessing tasks in QGIS. It will cover topics such as querying and editing vector data and using raster data. You will also learn to create, edit, and optimize a vector layer for faster queries, reproject a vector layer, reduce the number of vertices in a vector layer without losing critical data, and convert a raster to a vector. Following this, you will work through recipes that will help you compose static maps, create heavily customized maps, and add specialized labels and annotations. As well as this, well also share a few tips and tricks based on different aspects of QGIS.What You Will LearnUse Python and QGIS to produce captivating GIS visualizations and build complex map layoutsFind out how to effectively use the poorly-documented and undocumented features of the QGIS Python APIAutomate entire geospatial workflows by connecting Python GIS building blocks into comprehensive processesCreate, import, and edit geospatial data on disk or in-memoryChange QGIS settings programmatically to control default behaviorAutomatically generate PDF map booksBuild dynamic forms for field inputAbout the AuthorJoel Lawhead is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional, and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for http://www.nvisionsolutions.com/, an award-winning firm specializing in geospatial technology integration and harsh-environment engineering. Joel builds geospatial systems for US government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the US Department of Homeland Security, and the military. He also works with private organizations, including the National Oceans and Applications Research Center (NOARC) and The Ocean Cleanup. He has authored other books with Packt Publishing, including Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python, QGIS Python Programming Cookbook, and Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python, Second Edition. His cookbook recipes have been featured in two editions of the OReilly Python Cookbook. Joel began using Python in 1997 and combined it with geospatial software development in 2000. He is also the developer of the widely used open source Python Shapefile Library (PyShp) and maintains the geospatial technical blog, http://geospatialpython.com/, and Twitter feed, @SpatialPython, discussing the use of Python within the geospatial industry. In 2011, Joel reverse-engineered and published the undocumented shapefile spatial indexing format and assisted fellow geospatial Python developer, Marc Pfister, in reversing the compression algorithm, allowing developers around the world to create better integrated and more robust geospatial applications involving shapefiles. In 2002, Joel received the international Esri Special Achievement in GIS award for his work on the Real-Time Emergency Action Coordination Tool (REACT) for emergency management using geospatial analysis.Table of ContentsAutomating QGISQuerying Vector DataEditing Vector DataUsing Raster DataCreating Dynamic MapsComposing Static MapsInteracting with the UserQGIS WorkflowsOther Tips and Tricks