Geospatial File Formats for GIS Systems

There are a number of file formats used for GIS systems that are relevant to Windows programmers as well as developers on other platforms. Some popular ones are:

1. Shapefile - this is a popular geospatial vector data format developed by ESRI as an open specification. It uses points, lines and polygons to describe e.g. wells, rivers and lakes. You can associate properties to each object like temperature or name. It is a file format used by ESRI's former flagship product, ArcView (now known as Arc GIS).

2. GML (Geography Markup Language) - an XML grammar developed by the OGC or Open Geospatial Consortium. (File extension: GML or XML). More information on the OGC website.

Python for .NET versus IronPython

Python for .NET allows your Python program to talk with the CLR. IronPython is an implementation of Python in .NET and currently supports Python 2.7. Documentation on IronPython usage can be found here.

Where is Python 3.5 Installed on Windows?

Python 3.5 is installed in the user's local "AppData" space.

C:\Users\[User Name]\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python35

U_ALP is the "short code" for the path.  ALP = AppData\Local\Programs.

Mastering Powerpoint's Processes and Timelines

To draw processes and timelines in Powerpoint (suppose you are trying to visualise a short history of something or other), Insert -> SmartArt -> Process (third option down) is your pathway to victory. (SmartArt is sandwiched between Shapes and Chart).