Hello! I’m ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.
This is the 17th installment of the “5-Minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX.”
In the previous installment, we introduced the futuristic AI Assistant, which allows users to operate GIS through natural language. This time, we take a deeper look at Process Automation (Model Builder)—a powerful tool for automating and streamlining GIS workflows, and a key component behind the AI Assistant’s Intelligent Modeling capability.
1. What Is Process Automation?
GIS analysis and data processing often involve repetitive, multi-step workflows—such as importing CSV files, transforming coordinate systems, performing buffer analysis, and creating thematic maps.
The Process Automation feature in SuperMap iDesktopX allows you to visually design these workflows as a flowchart and execute them automatically with a single click.
Once a model is created, the same process can be repeated accurately and efficiently any number of times—freeing you from time-consuming routine work.
Figure: Conceptual illustration of GIS process automation, where multiple tasks are linked automatically to generate new insights.
2. Model Builder Components
Process automation is designed using the dedicated Model Builder interface. Workflows are created by dragging, dropping, and connecting three core elements:
(1) Data (Input / Output)
Datasets used as inputs, intermediate results, or final outputs in the analysis.
(2) Tools
A wide range of GIS functions—such as buffer analysis, overlay, clipping, and coordinate system transformation. Nearly all iDesktopX GIS tools are available within Model Builder.
(3) Variables / Controls
Elements used to control execution logic and dynamically adjust parameters:
Iterator: Enables batch processing, such as repeating the same workflow for multiple files in a folder.
Branch: Creates conditional logic (e.g., “If the dataset is not empty, proceed to the next step”).
3. Model Creation Steps & Practical Example
(1) Create a new model
Right-click in the Toolbox window and select Model Builder.
(2) Add tools and data
Drag and drop required tools (e.g., buffer analysis) and input datasets onto the canvas.
(3) Configure and connect parameters
Set parameters for each tool (e.g., buffer distance), then connect data and tools with lines to define processing order and data flow.
(4) Run and save
Click Run to execute the entire workflow automatically. Saved models can be reused at any time.
Example: Evacuation Shelter Accessibility Analysis (Minato Ward)
Input: Building data and evacuation shelter point data
Tool 1: Buffer Analysis (500 m service area around shelters)
Tool 2: Overlay (Intersect) to extract buildings within service areas
Tool 3: Attribute Calculation to add a “shelter accessible” flag
Output: Dataset of accessible buildings
With this model in place, accessibility can be recalculated instantly whenever new shelter data is added.
4. Model Builder Application: Exporting to Python Scripts
Workflows created in Model Builder can be exported as Python scripts.
Key advantages:
Automatic code generation – Complex GIS processing scripts can be generated visually, even without programming experience.
Customization – Generated scripts can be edited and extended, or integrated with other Python libraries.
Server-side execution – Scripts can run in server environments (e.g., SuperMap iServer), enabling fully automated processing beyond the desktop.
Summary
Process Automation (Model Builder) in iDesktopX transforms complex, repetitive GIS workflows into reusable visual models. This approach significantly reduces processing time, minimizes errors, and standardizes operations.
By bridging visual GIS workflows and Python scripting, it also opens the door to more advanced, scalable automation.
In Part 18, we’ll explore “Sharing GIS on the Web! Publishing and Using Web Maps.” Stay tuned!
