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.

ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo are licensing levels for ArcGIS Desktop applications.

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.

Yes, ArcView maintains the base functionality of ArcView 3.x and adds many new features driven by user requests.

ArcView is available as a single use or concurrent use license. Regardless of the license type, the functionality of ArcView is identical.

A single use license allows ArcView to be installed on one computer and does not require a license manager.

A concurrent use license, also known as a floating seat license, is controlled by a license manager operating on an organization's network. Concurrent use licenses can accommodate many users, but the number of users at any given time is limited to the number of floating licenses available.

No. ArcView is not supported on Macintosh. While it is possible to run ArcView using the new Intel-based Mac OS X and the Boot Camp software, ESRI does not currently test or certify this system.

ArcView contains new feature construction and editing tools including support for true curves and snap to multiple layers. ArcView allows you to create and edit shapefiles and simple features in a personal geodatabase including annotation.

ArcView can create and edit simple geometric features (points, lines, and polygons) analogous to shapefile features in a personal geodatabase (based on Microsoft Access files). ArcView can also create and maintain annotation in a personal geodatabase.

ArcView does not support advanced editing of data models (e.g., topology, geometric networks, feature-linked annotation, relationships, dimensioning). ArcView allows you to read but not edit a multiuser geodatabase.

ArcView 9 can access

• Vector (read and edit)—Shapefiles and simple features in a personal geodatabase
• Vector (read-only)—Complex features (e.g., geometric networks) in a geodatabase, ArcSDE layers, ArcIMS feature services, coverages, and CAD files
• Raster—GRIDs, image files (.jpg, .tif, .bmp), and ArcIMS image services

For a complete list of supported data formats, view the ArcGIS 9.3 Functionality Matrix Poster [PDF].

Yes, ArcView is Internet enabled, allowing the integration of Internet map data with your local data. ArcView also includes a direct connection to Geodata.gov for easy access to a wealth of geographic data from a variety of data providers. ArcView can connect to ArcIMS server services and ArcGIS Server as well.

Yes, the ArcGIS extensions are available as single use or concurrent use licenses.

Note: The licensing options for the ArcGIS extensions must match the licensing options for ArcView. This means that an ArcGIS extension single use license can only be used with an ArcView single use license and an ArcGIS extension concurrent use license can only be used with an ArcView concurrent use license.

ArcView supports the same data sources that ArcView 3.x supports. ArcView also provides import tools for ArcView 3.x project (APR) and legend (AVL) files. Read Transitioning to ArcGIS Desktop.

• Migrating from ArcView 3.x to ArcGIS Desktop—A free self-study (Virtual Campus) course that introduces ArcView 3.x users to the features and architecture of ArcGIS Desktop software
• Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop—ESRI Press Book
  A self-study workbook that will help you learn the basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo, including a 120-day trial version of ArcView software as well as data to complete the exercises

Avenue is no longer used at ArcView 9. ArcView 9 is built using the ArcObjects technology framework. ArcObjects technology is based on COM and was introduced with ArcInfo 8. COM allows developers to have open access to the components that make up ArcView and to customize the application using built-in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). In addition, any COM-compliant programming language, such as Visual Basic, Visual C++, or Delphi, may be used.