Common Questions

ArcView provides data visualization, query, analysis, and integration capabilities along with the ability to create and edit simple geographic features. ArcEditor includes all the functionality of ArcView and adds a comprehensive set of tools to create, edit, and ensure the quality of your data. ArcInfo includes all the functionality of ArcEditor and adds advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, and high-end cartography tools. Find out which product is right for you.

With ArcGIS 9, ARC Macro Language (AML) support is greatly enhanced, so you can leverage your AML macros as tools within the new geoprocessing framework. This means the functionality contained within the macro can be included in integrated models alongside geodatabase, raster processing, and overlay functionality.

ESRI will continue to support read access of coverages in our products i.e., MapObjects, ArcView 3.x, and ArcGIS). ArcInfo will remain the tool for creating and editing coverages.

ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo are licensing levels for ArcGIS Desktop applications. ArcView provides data visualization, query, analysis, and integration capabilities along with the ability to create and edit simple geographic features. ArcEditor includes all the functionality of ArcView and adds a comprehensive set of tools to create, edit, and ensure the quality of your data. ArcInfo includes all the functionality of ArcEditor and adds advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, and high-end cartography tools.

ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcScene, and ArcGlobe are ArcGIS Desktop application programs. ArcMap and ArcCatalog are the core applications delivered with all licensing levels of ArcGIS Desktop; ArcScene and ArcGlobe are part of the ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension.

ArcView is a complete GIS, suitable for users who will manage their own file-based data sources, use data sources from the Internet, or collaborate in enterprise workflows without the requirement to manage the enterprise data sources. A detailed list of functionality is provided in the ArcGIS Desktop Functionality Matrix.

ArcEditor is a complete, advanced GIS, providing all the functionality of ArcView plus supporting the administration of advanced geodatabase objects within a multiuser environment. ArcEditor provides support for SQL Express-based geodatabases. ArcEditor users may use advanced cartography tools; create and manage geodatabase topologies, relationship classes, and utility networks; perform advanced and coordinate geometry (COGO) vector editing; perform raster editing and vectorization; and (when ArcGIS Server Enterprise is available) carry out these tasks within enterprise and distributed geodatabases. A detailed list of functionality is provided in the ArcGIS Desktop Functionality Matrix.

ArcInfo is ESRI's flagship GIS product, providing all the functionality of ArcEditor and our complete set of advanced administration, cartography, and geoprocessing tools. In addition to the core ArcGIS Desktop applications (ArcMap and ArcCatalog), ArcInfo provides the ArcInfo Workstation application useful for using and managing legacy coverage data sources. A detailed list of functionality is provided in the ArcGIS Desktop Functionality Matrix.