UNDERSTANDING ARCGIS SOFTWARE (A GUIDE FOR GIS PROFESSIONALS)

ArcGIS is a powerful Geographic Information System (GIS) developed by Esri for working with maps and geographic information. Over the years, it has evolved into a suite of software tools designed for different needs, users, and industries. ArcGIS versions will help you choose the right one for your GIS projects.

ArcGIS DESKTOP (Legacy)

ArcGIS Desktop includes applications like:

1. ArcMap – Used for mapping, editing, spatial analysis, and data management.
2. ArcCatalog – For organizing and managing GIS data.
3. ArcScene & ArcGlobe – 3D visualization tools.

Note: As of 2024, Esri is gradually phasing out ArcMap in favor of ArcGIS Pro. It is no longer receiving major updates.

ArcGIS PRO (Current & Most Advanced)

ArcGIS Pro is the flagship desktop GIS application. It’s:

1. 64-bit, fast, and built for modern computing
2. Integrates 2D and 3D workflows in one interface
3. Seamlessly connected to ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise
4. Supports Python 3, geoprocessing tools, and advanced visualization

ArcGIS Pro is the future of GIS desktop software.

ArcGIS Online (Cloud-Based)

ArcGIS Online is a web-based GIS platform that allows:

1. Sharing maps and data online
2. Building interactive web maps and dashboards
3. Accessing Esri’s Living Atlas and spatial analysis tools

Ideal for collaborative projects, real-time mapping, and organizations needing cloud solutions.

ArcGIS Enterprise (On-Premises GIS)

ArcGIS Enterprise is designed for large organizations needing secure, scalable GIS infrastructure hosted on their own servers. It allows:

1. Custom GIS web apps
2. Hosting and managing data internally
3. Integration with enterprise systems

Best for governments, corporations, and institutions handling sensitive data.

ArcGIS Apps (Specialized Tools)

Esri offers mobile and field-focused apps such as:

1. Collector for ArcGIS – Data collection in the field
2. Survey123 – Smart forms for data gathering
3. ArcGIS Field Maps – Combines map viewing, location tracking, and data collection
4. ArcGIS StoryMaps – For storytelling with maps

The ArcGIS ecosystem offers tools for every kind of GIS user—from desktop mapping to cloud analytics and enterprise solutions. While ArcGIS Pro is the future of desktop GIS, combining it with ArcGIS Online or Enterprise unlocks endless possibilities for spatial analysis and decision-making.

Ready to explore ArcGIS hands-on?
Join our GIS training course at https://geoinfoacademy.com/ and master the software that’s shaping the world of geospatial intelligence!