Michalis Avraam had a nice entry about some good packages that can be used with Python specifically for GIS related tasks. I mentioned some in the previous post, and where to find good tutorials on how to use them. I was just starting to explore NetworkX when I saw Michalis' post. I presume though he is refering to road networks, as there are many types of networks. Most of these packages have exe files for easy windows setup. However, version 1.1 of NetworkX uses an .egg file. You'll probably come across some packages that realease using an egg file. Particularly if you are using Apple OS. Here is a quick tutorial I found on how to install an egg file on Windows. As with anything with Python, make sure the version you are downloading is compatible with your version of Python.
The tutorial is available here, but I'll repost it in this entry. It is tailored towards Windows XP, but I used it with Windows 7. Just had to locate where the System Variables is now located.
- Download & Install setuptools
- Configure your PATH variable to include for example with python 2.5
C:\Python25\Scripts\- Right-click on My Computer
- Select Properties
- Select the Advanced tab
- Click on the Environment Variables button
- In User Variables, select PATH, then click Edit
- Add “;C:\Python25\Scripts\” to the end of the current value
- Click OK in the Edit User Variable window
- Click OK in the Environment Variables window
- Click OK in the System Properties window
- Open a new Command Prompt
- Run
easy_install path\to\simplejson-2.0.9-py2.5-win32.egg