Take the 2-minute tour ×  I am new to Python scripting in ArcGIS
but not new to ModelBuilder.  I would like to know the benefits
of Python vs ModelBuilder.  When should we write Python script
for GIS automation rather than use ModelBuilder?  What are the
automation capabilities of Python that we cannot find in
ModelBuilder?  share|improve this question add comment  6
Answers  up vote 55 down vote accepted  I believe that the user
should clearly define their objectives before deciding which set
of tools to use. ModelBuilder and Python scripting excel at
different tasks. A few thoughts:    1. ModelBuilder has no
mapping capabilities, whereas arcpy.mapping does.   2. Python
can be used to optimize workflows, such as with the
multiprocessing package or with parallel processing.   3. Python
allows for nested loops and other handy iterative logic tools.
To accomplish a similar result in ModelBuilder, you would have
to construct intricate, and complicated, nested models.   4.
Simple text manipulation is very easy wi