ArcGIS is a software suite developed by Esri for creating and publishing maps made by integrating GIS (Geographic Information System) data with datasets from a variety of public and private sources. GIS data such as topology, satellite images, and survey information can be combined with data from weather services, census and political data, and more, depending on the user’s needs. The suite’s proprietary data format allows users to create very large files and to do advanced analysis on their mapping data. They provide an infrastructure for sharing files within a company as well as openly on the web.
ArcGIS includes the following desktop software: ArcReader, which allows one to view and query maps created with the other ArcGIS products; ArcGIS Desktop, is licensed under three functionality levels: ArcView, which allows one to view spatial data, create layered maps, and perform basic spatial analysis; ArcEditor which, in addition to the functionality of ArcView, includes more advanced tools for manipulation of shapefiles and geodatabases; or ArcInfo which includes capabilities for data manipulation, editing, and analysis.
The ArcGIS software suite runs in Windows and on Android, Apple and Windows smartphone platforms. These packages can be purchased by users with different features available by price level. Esri also offers for free ArcGIS Explorer, a basic map viewer, as well as ArcGIS Online, a web application which allows users to search for and share geographic information.
Esri has launched a Local Government Resource Center to help government representatives use their tools. They support or are developing support for data related to land records, planning and development, elections, public safety and health, public works and utilities, and more. ArcGIS has been used by city governments throughout the United States and across the world.
