title: Can python read the value of a cell in a spreadsheet?
body: <p>All,</p>
  
  <p>Can python read the value of a cell in a spreadsheet?</p>
  
  <p>From a mapping/GIS/analysis standpoint: the simplest example would be a script that ran a buffer (proximity) tool on a given shapefile (GIS dataset).</p>
  
  <p>For the buffer distance parameter, instead of just using a number like '1000' feet, the script would point to a value in a cell of a spreadsheet (libre or open office preferred).</p>
  
  <p>If there was then a way to trigger the script from the spreadsheet by way of a button, that would be the next step (then the next step would be to have a map control inside the spreadsheet to see the updated results!)</p>
  
  <p>Just to give some insight into where I'm going with this: I'd like to use a spreadsheet as an analysis 'dashboard' where users could run analysis with different parameters - what would proximity around parks (grocery stores, etc.) be at 1/2 mi vs 1/4 mi...then another sheet in the spreadsheet would have a breakdown of the demographics within that proximity.</p>
  
  <p>Thank you!!!</p>
  
  <p>(also posted here: <a href="https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/49288/can-python-read-the-value-of-a-cell-in-a-spreadsheet">https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/49288/can-python-read-the-value-of-a-cell-in-a-spreadsheet</a>)</p>
  
  <p>-mb</p>