ArcExplorer—Java Education Edition Web Frequently Asked Questions

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What's the purpose of AEJEE? Why was it created?

ArcExplorer—Java Education Edition (AEJEE) was designed to provide an introductory-level desktop application that could handle basic GIS data and spatial processes on both Windows and Macintosh platforms. Because it was conceived with a K–12 education audience in mind, the tools address many of the basic tasks that students and teachers want to accomplish with GIS.

What's different about AEJEE versus other tools? Can I do anything useful with it?

AEJEE covers most of the basic functions users need to do with spatial data: display, pan, zoom, identify, select, classify, symbolize, hyperlink, and make layouts. AEJEE can also open and save projects and work with data both from local sources and from ArcIMS servers over the Internet. And AEJEE is free, so teachers and students can use it both at school and at home, even if they are on different platforms.

Can I use AEJEE if I'm not in education?

Yes. The tool has been optimized for education, but others have found its basic capacities, modest interface, and multiplatform access useful. Use and distribution outside of noncommercial education is limited by the click-through license and constraints mentioned in the tutorial and below.

Can I give AEJEE to other people?

Yes. The click-through license and constraints in the tutorial describe this more fully. Fundamentally, the software can be shared with others at no cost if the installer is provided in exactly the form supplied by ESRI. It may be easiest to link people to the download page for best access to the latest version.

Is there a network version of AEJEE?

No. AEJEE is designed to be installed on individual machines as a stand-alone application.

How do I learn to use AEJEE?

AEJEE installs a quick-start tutorial guide as a PDF file found in the folder AEJEE/DATA/LESSONS. Additional lessons using AEJEE can be found on ESRI's ArcLessons Web site (choose "By Software—ArcExplorer").

What kind of GIS data can AEJEE handle?

AEJEE can display shapefiles, ArcSDE layers, CAD data (no DXF or DGN support on Mac, however), and a variety of image formats (most notably .tif and .jpg). AEJEE can read x,y point data tables in .dbf, .txt, and .csv format and convert them into shapefiles. AEJEE can also display data being distributed through ArcIMS servers.

Does AEJEE come with any usable data?

AEJEE comes with a modest sample of world, U.S., local, and Cartesian data with which one can learn to use the software, practice spatial thinking, and explore a variety of interesting spatial patterns.

How do I know if I have the latest version? What's new in the latest version?

The latest version is always posted first on the AEJEE download page. The link includes a reference to the version of AEJEE. Compare this to the version you are running. Open AEJEE and choose "About" in the menu. Learn more about AEJEE.

Is there ongoing development in AEJEE? What are the development plans? Will it be around in three years?

ESRI continues to work on AEJEE. We want to ensure that the public has a good, free, introductory GIS tool that can be used on multiple platforms.

How do I make known my questions and opinions about AEJEE?

The best place to post questions and comments about AEJEE is the ArcExplorer Forum.

If I use AEJEE, do I get an ESRI customer number?

No. ESRI assigns customer numbers on for-fee products that we track. If you are interested in acquiring a customer number so you can register for the annual ESRI User Conference or Education Conference, contact your local ESRI office and talk with a sales representative.