A geoprocessing model is a custom tool created within the ModelBuilder window, which contains multiple geoprocessing tools along with their various parameters (including inputs, outputs, options, and other values) that work together as part of an integrated process that will run as if it was a single tool. The following diagram shows a sample of a very simple model:
From the preceding diagram, you can see that it contains two geoprocessing tools that you learned about in Chapter 10, Performing Analysis with Geoprocessing Tools, the Buffer and Clip tools. In the model, the Buffer tool creates buffer polygons around the input, Streets.
The resulting buffer polygons are then used to clip out the features in Parcels, which is the Clip features input that is located inside the buffer polygons. Since both geoprocessing tools reside inside the model, the user only has to run the model instead of having to...