Which ArcGIS platform are you using?
Still on ArcMap? Then it’s time to switch over to ArcGIS Pro. ArcGIS Pro comes with a multitude of benefits including editing feature services, new file formats, a ribbon-based view, and a simplified editing experience. This 64-bit, multi-threaded application comes with powerful processing and an upgraded display engine for faster rendering and analysis.
Pro enables users to edit feature services on-the-fly, as opposed to viewing these services in “read-only” format in ArcMap. This on-the-fly editing capability is very useful when making minor updates to layers in the web map.
.ARPX > .MXD
ArcMap uses the .mxd file extension for ArcMap files, quite similar to .dwg extensions for CAD files. ArcGIS Pro leverages the .arpx format, which allows users to create and edit multiple maps within the same project file. This approach makes a lot more sense, as it views your workflow from a project basis. A single project can contain multiple maps, 3D scenes, and layouts, which can be packaged up and shared in a convenient format as a file or via the cloud.
Ribbons
ArcGIS Pro has a different look and feel when compared to ArcMap. Pro utilizes customizable ribbons, which will be familiar to Microsoft Office users. This intuitive workspace updates contextually based on what you’re currently doing in the application. The tools you need will appear when you need them, no more digging around toolbars and dialog boxes. With dockable views and panes, users can easily navigate back and forth between geoprocessing tools, tables, layouts, symbology edits and exploring map areas.
Editing
Still starting and stopping editing sessions every time you want to make a change in ArcMap? With ArcGIS Pro, users can make edits without needing to start/stop an editing session. Pro offers an editing ribbon for quick and easy editing of your maps and data, just select your editing tool and get started.
Sharing Made Easy
With portal integration, users can easily upload projects, maps, or layers to their portal at ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise. Not to mention, ArcGIS Pro contains quick access to the Living Atlas of the World, an esri-curated resource of data and basemaps, entirely accessible within the application.
Compatibility
All of your maps, layouts, python scripts, models and symbology originally created in ArcMap can be transferred over to Pro with minimal changes. Although, migration in the opposite direction doesn’t fly, as Pro projects cannot go back into ArcMap. But once migrated over to Pro, you’ll discover you have all the same functionality as ArcMap, plus some new updates that you can’t get in ArcMap.
ArcGIS Pro
With a large variety of capabilities, ArcGIS Pro is leveraged throughout the industries for data-driven analysis, 3D modeling, creating stunning visualizations, and the list goes on. From government and transportation, to utilities and retail stores, ArcGIS Pro enables all users to analyze data to solve complex spatial problems. Discover what’s new in the latest release of Pro 2.3.
Ready to make the switch to Pro? Download this free ArcGIS Pro migration guide from esri to get started. Don’t jump the gun, first explore the Pro system requirements to ensure you’re ready to migrate.
For first time Pro users, this introductory course is a great place to start learning. Followed up by plenty of free lessons available at Learn ArcGIS, as well as further educational resources from Esri Training, and ArcGIS Pro Resources.
Get Support
Need help switching from ArcMap to Pro? Have an idea for a geospatial product or service? Reach out to our industry experts to start a conversation to see how GeoMarvel can answer the call.
