A book of this scope materializes only with the support of many individuals.
First, I would like to recognize the numerous students in my courses over the years at several institutions. You learn something best by teaching it to others, and I’m fortunate to have worked with many aspiring GIS professionals interested in learning Python. Much of what I know about what needs to go in a book like this, I have learned from them.
The contributions of the staff at Esri Press cannot be underestimated. Their ongoing feedback throughout the writing and editing of the manuscript has been invaluable. Other Esri staff members also have left their mark on the book, especially David Wynne, Jeff Barrette, and Nawajish Noman. Their insider perspectives have made the book more accurate and more complete.
Since the publication of the first book, Python Scripting for ArcGIS, I have received a lot of feedback from numerous students, instructors, GIS professionals, and anonymous reviewers. I’ve done my best to incorporate all that I’ve learned from them into this new book.
I also would like to thank my parents, who always encouraged me to seek a career path that would allow me to fulfill my curiosity about the world while at the same time trying to make it a better place.
Most importantly, this book would not be possible without the continued support of my family. Marcia, Daniel, and Sofia, thank you for believing in me and allowing me to pursue my passions.
Paul A. Zandbergen
Vancouver, BC, Canada