A new version of ArcGIS Explorer is now available.
Download ArcGIS Explorer
Before proceeding with the download, please exit any open ArcGIS applications and the Update Available dialog box.
About the latest release
ArcGIS Explorer is a free, downloadable GIS viewer that provides an easy way to explore, visualize, share, and present geographic information. The latest release of ArcGIS Explorer has many new features that make it ideal for providing wider access to your GIS data and capabilities, and for presenting information in a geographic context. The new features of ArcGIS Explorer include:
New user experience
The new release of ArcGIS Explorer introduces a new user experience featuring a ribbon-based user interface that's intuitive and easy to use. Functionality is presented in the context of what you are doing and the various controls include integrated tool tips.
Basemap gallery
The basemap gallery contains a variety of ready-to-use maps that you can choose from, including ArcGIS Online imagery, transportation, streets, physical, and more. Bing ™ Maps (imagery, hybrid, roads) are found in the gallery. Click to choose a new basemap while maintaining the order and appearance of other layers in your map. Add your own basemaps to the gallery by choosing Save As, then New Basemap.
Integrated 2D/3D display
ArcGIS Explorer now includes an integrated 2D/3D display which can be toggled on-the-fly, providing complete control over your visualization experience. You can choose which mode works best for your data, and save your maps to open in mode one or the other.
Enhanced data support
ArcGIS Explorer supports all of your GIS data and services without conversion. Data support has been enhanced with the following:
- A consistent user experience is presented for all content and access to all supported local data and services has been enhanced.
- ArcGIS Desktop layer files and layer packages (introduced at ArcGIS 9.3.1) are now supported. Layer files and layer packages enable ArcGIS Explorer to leverage ArcGIS Desktop cartography.
- Direct connect to enterprise geodatabases is now supported.
- KML/KMZ support has been improved.
- And more...
Bing™ Maps Services
Microsoft Bing Maps (formerly known as Virtual Earth) services, including aerial imagery, aerials with labels, and streets, are now available to ArcGIS Explorer users. Bing Maps are included in the basemap gallery.
These services are free for ArcGIS Desktop users and available in ArcGIS Explorer for free if using ArcGIS Desktop. For standalone ArcGIS Explorer users these services are available on a subscription basis.
Easy to configure and customize
Application configurations provide an easy way to configure and customize ArcGIS Explorer, and enable you to tailor ArcGIS Explorer for specific users, tasks, or workflows. Configurations are created and managed using the Application Configuration Manager. Application configurations do not require programming, and multiple configurations can be created and centrally managed to support many types of users and workflows.
Presentations
ArcGIS Explorer includes new capabilities that enable you to create dynamic and interactive presentations that include your own maps and data. Add titles and overlays, show popups, toggle layers, and more. Maps can be saved so they open in presentation mode, and you can specify a time interval to automatically advance your slides.
New Developer Experience
The ArcGIS Explorer SDK has been redesigned with Microsoft .NET usability in mind and also to reflect the new capabilities in ArcGIS Explorer. Use the SDK to create new buttons, dockable windows, galleries and extensions for ArcGIS Explorer. Customizations are delivered as Add-Ins, and can also be included in Application Configurations.
ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online is an online library of maps, layers, and tools for GIS users. ArcGIS Explorer users can use ArcGIS Online to find and use a variety of resources from ESRI and from other users. ArcGIS Explorer hosts two groups on ArcGIS Online:
- ArcGIS Explorer – provides selected maps, layers, and add-ins.
- ArcGIS Explorer Labs – unsupported samples, add-ins, and examples from the ArcGIS Explorer team.
Localization
ArcGIS Explorer is now supported in the following languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.
Expansion Packs
Expansion packs add new capabilities to the core ArcGIS Explorer, and can be found on the ArcGIS Explorer download page. Expansion packs include:
- ArcGIS Explorer Data Access – provides support for ArcSDE direct connect to multiuser geodatabases.
- ArcGIS Explorer Fonts – adds ESRI fonts for use with ArcGIS Explorer. ESRI fonts are used when displaying ArcGIS layer files and layer packages.
- ArcGIS Explorer Projection Engine – adds more projections and transformations for use within ArcGIS Explorer.