ArcGIS Desktop
Which Desktop GIS Software Is Right for You?
ArcGIS Desktop allows you to analyze your data and author geographic knowledge to examine relationships, test predictions, and ultimately make better decisions.
ArcGIS provides a complete set of tools for modeling geographic information to support smarter, faster decisions. You can use ArcGIS to
- Discover and characterize geographic patterns
- Model and analyze against all sources of geographic data
- Optimize network and resource allocation
- Automate workflows through a visual modeling environment
It is a family of three products—ArcInfo, ArcEditor, and ArcView—that share the same core applications, user interface, and development environment.
Each product provides additional GIS functionality as you move from ArcView to ArcEditor to ArcInfo.
Optional ArcGIS Desktop extensions offer specialized tools and additional capabilities to enhance your system.
Download the complete ArcGIS Desktop 9.3.1 Functionality Matrix [PDF].
| ArcView | ArcEditor | ArcInfo | |
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| Map Creation and Interactive Visualization | |||
| Visually model and spatially analyze a process or workflow. |  |
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| Create interactive maps from file, database, and online sources. | |
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| Create street-level maps that incorporate GPS locations. | |
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| View CAD data or satellite images. | |
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| Generate reports and charts. | |
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| Multiuser Editing and Advanced Data Management | |||
| Complete GIS data editing capabilities. | |
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| Edit a multiuser enterprise geodatabase. | |
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| Use disconnected editing in the field. | |
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| Store historical snapshots of your data. | |
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| Automate quality control. | |
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| Create spatial data from scanned maps. | |
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| Use raster-to-vector conversion. | |
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| Advanced Analysis, High-End Cartography, and Extensive Database Management | |||
| Advanced GIS data analysis and modeling | |
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| Atlaslike, publication-quality maps | |
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| Advanced data translation and creation | |
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| Advanced feature manipulation and processing | |
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| Data conversion for CAD, raster, dBASE, and coverage formats | |
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Each product provides additional GIS functionality as you move from ArcView to ArcEditor to ArcInfo.
Use comprehensive spatial modeling and analysis tools to reveal answers in your data.
