The ability to control map document cartography, while also running geospatial analyses, increases the power and usefulness of ArcPy. The properties and methods of arcpy.mapping can be utilized to manipulate layer objects, map scales and data frame extents, or even to set definition queries. By combining automated geospatial analysis with dynamic map production, scripted mapping systems are made possible. This chapter will cover the following topics:
Arcpy.mapping Layer objects
Layer object definition queries and extents
Arcpy.mapping Data Frame objects
Creating dynamically scaled maps