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ArcGIS Suite: Understanding the Differences Between ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise

By Shahabuddin Amerudin

ArcGIS is a comprehensive suite of GIS (Geographic Information System) software products developed and distributed by Esri, a leading provider of GIS technology. The suite includes ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise, which are the primary GIS applications used by professionals and organizations for spatial analysis, data management, and visualization. While these applications share similar features, they differ in their architecture, capabilities, and user interface, making each suitable for specific tasks and user needs.

ArcGIS Desktop, also known as ArcMap, is a traditional GIS software that has been in use since the early 2000s. It is a Windows-based application that is installed on a user’s computer and provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating, editing, and analyzing spatial data. ArcMap’s interface is designed to be familiar to GIS professionals, with a menu bar, toolbars, and a map window, making it easy to learn for those who have been using it for years. However, as technology has evolved, Esri has released newer software to provide additional features and better support for new data formats.

ArcGIS Pro is the latest addition to the ArcGIS suite, launched in 2015, and is considered the next generation of GIS software. It is a modern, 64-bit, multi-threaded application that leverages the power of desktop and web technologies to provide an integrated, seamless, and efficient user experience. ArcGIS Pro allows users to create and edit data, perform analysis, and share projects and maps in 2D and 3D, with new tools and workflows that are not available in ArcMap. Its interface is designed to be more intuitive, with a ribbon-like menu and a contextual pane that adapts to the current task, making it easier for new users to learn and use the software.

ArcGIS Enterprise is a web-based GIS platform that enables organizations to deploy and manage GIS resources on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. It includes a suite of server software components, such as ArcGIS Server, Portal for ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Data Store, that work together to provide a complete GIS infrastructure. ArcGIS Enterprise allows users to publish and share GIS data and services, create and manage web maps and apps, and collaborate and communicate with other users within and outside the organization. It provides enterprise-grade security, scalability, and performance, making it suitable for large organizations with complex GIS needs.

The main differences between ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise can be summarized as follows:

  • Architecture: ArcGIS Desktop is a Windows-based desktop application that is installed on a user’s computer, while ArcGIS Pro is a modern, multi-threaded, and 64-bit desktop application that is installed on a user’s computer. ArcGIS Enterprise is a web-based GIS platform that can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment, providing scalability and flexibility.

  • User Interface: ArcGIS Desktop has a traditional interface with a menu bar, toolbars, and a map window, while ArcGIS Pro has a ribbon-like menu and a contextual pane that adapts to the current task, making it more intuitive and easier to learn. ArcGIS Enterprise has a web-based interface that can be accessed from a browser, making it suitable for remote users and mobile devices.

  • Capabilities: ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro have similar capabilities, such as data creation, editing, and analysis, but ArcGIS Pro has additional features, such as 3D visualization, advanced analysis, and integrated workflows. ArcGIS Enterprise provides additional capabilities, such as web GIS services, collaboration, and security, that are not available in the desktop applications.

  • Licensing: ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro are licensed as standalone products or as part of an ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro license bundle, while ArcGIS Enterprise is licensed on a per-user or per-server basis, with different levels of functionality and scalability depending on the license type.

  • Data Management: ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro have similar data management capabilities, with the ability to create, edit, and analyze spatial data. However, ArcGIS Pro provides additional data management features, such as geodatabase replication, geodatabase topology, and parcel fabric editing. ArcGIS Enterprise provides centralized data management and sharing through its server components, such as ArcGIS Server and Portal for ArcGIS.

    In conclusion, the ArcGIS suite of software products provides a comprehensive set of tools and workflows for GIS professionals and organizations to manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data. ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise are the primary applications in the suite, each designed for specific tasks and user needs. While they share similar features, they differ in their architecture, capabilities, and user interface, making each suitable for different use cases. It is important to consider these differences when choosing which application to use for specific tasks or when deciding on a GIS infrastructure for an organization.

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Suggestion for Citation:
Amerudin, S. (2023). ArcGIS Suite: Understanding the Differences Between ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6323 (Accessed: 11 April 2023).