Key Features

Spatial Analysis

Hundreds of tools for performing spatial analysis are included in ArcGIS for Desktop. These tools allow you to turn data into actionable information and automate many of your GIS tasks. For example, you can:

Calculate density and distance.
Perform advanced statistical analysis.
Conduct overlay and proximity analysis.

Data Management

With support for more than 70 data formats, you can easily integrate all types of data for visualization and analysis. An extensive set of geographic, tabular, and metadata management, creation, and organization tools allows you to:

Browse and find geographic information.
Record, view, and manage metadata.
Create and manage the schemas of geodatabases.

Mapping and Visualization

Produce high-quality maps without the hassles associated with complex design software. With ArcGIS for Desktop you can take advantage of:

A large library of symbols
Simple wizards and predefined map templates
Extensive suite of map elements and graphics

Advanced Editing

Manipulate data with a minimum number of clicks and automate your editing workflow with powerful editing tools. Advanced editing and coordinate geometry (COGO) tools simplify your data design, input, and cleanup. Multiuser editing support makes it possible for multiple users to edit your geodatabase at the same time, facilitating data sharing between departments, organizations, and field staff.

Geocoding

From simple data analysis to business and customer management to distribution techniques, there is a wide range of applications for which geocoding can be used. With geocoded addresses, you can spatially display the address locations and recognize patterns within the information. This can be done by simply looking at the information or using some of the analysis tools within ArcGIS for Desktop.

Map Projections

With a vast selection of projected and geographic coordinates systems, ArcGIS for Desktop allows you to integrate datasets from disparate sources into a common framework. You can easily merge data, perform various analytic operations, and produce extremely accurate, professional quality maps.

Advanced Imagery

There are many ways you can work with image data (raster data) in ArcGIS for Desktop. You can use it as a background (basemap) to analyze other data layers, apply different types of specifications to the image dataset, or use it as part of the analysis.

Data Sharing

The power and convenience of ArcGIS Online is now at your fingertips. With ArcGIS for Desktop (starting at version 10), you can take full advantage of ArcGIS Online without ever leaving the ArcMap interface. Import basemaps, search for data or features, and share information with individuals or groups from a convenient, centralized location.

Customization

Easily customize the user interface by adding and removing buttons, menu items, or docking toolbars within ArcGIS for Desktop, or develop custom GIS desktop applications with ArcGIS Engine, which is available through the Esri Developer Network (EDN).

ArcGIS for Desktop