There are two sets of tools for using GIS in Python: the first is by using python scripts to control ArcGIS, a popular (but expensive) commercial platform; the second is using native python tools. I’m working on a tutorial for native python tools, but in the meantime, below is a tutorial for ArcPy written for social scientists with little to no experience with Python.

Installation Troubleshooting

Introductory Tutorial

Useful ArcPy Commands