Landscape genetics is an area of research that combines population genetics, landscape ecology, and spatial analysis to understand the effects of landscape composition, configuration and matrix quality on gene flow and spatial genetic variation. Knowledge of these areas typically requires more than one discipline of study so it makes sense that interdepartmental collaboration would be necessary. The author, Thomas R. Etherington, identifies this area of concern, and using his knowledge of Python programming and ArcMap was able to create thirteen script tools for use by his colleagues that simplified basic, repetitive and complex processes. Through use of script tools created and stored in an ArcMap toolbox, the author made it possible for non-GIS specialist to access the tools through a much simpler to understand GUI interface. The author also recognizes that through script tools, geoprocessing and analysis can be combined for larger workflows. While not specifically mentioned he is most likely referring to ModelBuilder. Another point the author expands on is that since the scripts are created in Python, which is an open source language, they are easily accessible for other developers to use and modify to fit their own specific needs.
Python based GIS tools for landscape genetics: visualizing genetic relatedness and measuring landscape connectivity, Thomas R. Etherington, pages 52–55, Methods in Ecology and Evolution, January 2011, Volume 2, Issue 1
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