Analysis Readiness Check

Analysis Readiness Check

Answer: "Should I even run this yet?"

Inputs

• Dataset or project context (paths, layer names, storage type, projection info if known)
• Intended operation:
  • buffer
  • overlay (intersect/union/erase)
  • spatial join
  • routing/network analysis
  • raster analysis
• Constraints (optional): performance target, platform (Pro vs AGOL), deadline

What to check (decision tree)

1) Basic integrity

• Missing geometries, empty layers, obviously wrong extents
• Geometry validity (self-intersections, null shapes, mixed types)
• Unexpected duplicates in ID fields

2) Spatial reference + units

• Are inputs in compatible projections?
• Are distance/area units appropriate for the requested operation?
• If geographic coords (degrees) are used for distance operations, flag as not ready.

3) Attribute readiness

• Join keys: type, null rate, uniqueness, indexing
• Coded values/domains: is interpretation clear?
• Required fields present (e.g., speed/impedance for routing)

4) Performance + scaling risk

• Estimated feature counts and geometry complexity
• Network share vs local disk vs enterprise DB
• Obvious index needs (spatial + join fields)

5) Output expectations

• Define what “correct output” means (units, schema, fields, topology)
• Identify validation checks to run after execution (see post-run-validation)

Output

• Verdict: Ready / Not ready
• Blocking issues: a short list (max ~5) with plain-language impact
• Recommended preflight: ordered checklist to become ready
• Optional: safest “first run” settings (scratch workspace, env settings, chunking)

Tooling hints

• If ArcGIS Pro context is available, prefer using arcgispro_cli exports to ground the check:
  • arcgispro status --json
  • arcgispro layers --json
  • arcgispro tables --json

Example prompt

User: "Can I run a parcel buffer + intersect with zoning yet?"
Output: Not ready (projection is geographic; join field null spike; spatial index missing). Provide a 5-step preflight plan.