| name | analysis-readiness-check |
| description | Decide if a dataset/project is ready for a specific spatial analysis (buffer, overlay, join, routing) and list blockers + preflight steps. |
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.