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About ArcGIS

Web, on-prem and mobile solutions to help businesses with mapping, data management, predictive modeling, geocoding and more.

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Pros:

Arcgis also functions very greatly in that it integrates very well with other software like google earth.

Cons:

ArcGIS is prone to crashes and does not do a good job explaining the errors. Often the crash is a result of low memory, but this is not fully identified by the software.

ArcGIS ratings

Average score

Ease of Use
3.9
Customer Service
4.1
Features
4.6
Value for Money
4.0

Likelihood to recommend

8.4/ 10

ArcGIS has an overall rating of 4.6 out 5 stars based on 504 user reviews on Capterra.

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Ahmed
Ahmed
Geographic information systems specialist in Egypt
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Great possibilities in the ArcGIS program

5.0 last year

Comments: When you see the results of your work after completion, you will realize that it was worth every minute you worked on it

Pros:

What I really liked most about this program is its great ability to carry out tremendous tasks in a completely professional manner, which makes you literally dispense with other programs.

Cons:

What bothers me most about it is that it requires specific specifications in order for it to work perfectly, but it must be said that it works on moderately efficient devices, and it sometimes has some problems while working, which can lead to the program stopping on its own and restarting it again.

khaled
customer service agent in United Arab Emirates
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS review from a long time use of it.

5.0 last year

Comments: Over ALL experience is really great and useful with this software I really like it and I can always update my works without any problem, it is a real time saver for me.

Pros:

most of what I like about it is that I always can update and modify DATA easily without the need of recreating the whole project.

Cons:

I do not like much the paid features for it is so expensive for me so I can not use it and enhance my work.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Outsourcing/Offshoring, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Mapping Software

3.0 6 years ago

Pros:

This is one of the best in the industry, and is a niche product. It is very robust and performs mapping well. There are alot of modules and it takes time to really learn the system.

Cons:

If you are not computer savvy and don't take the time and effort required to learn the software, you won't like it. The usability has a lot to desire as things are hidden deep inside of menus. I think overall the software is expensive and bloated. You may only use 25% of the product. The KISS principle is lost on this.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Renewables & Environment, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS Review

4.0 12 months ago

Comments: I highly recommend ArcGIS for users in the urbanism, geographical and territorial fields because it can create any cartography needed

Pros:

ArcGIS is a powerful tool for creating maps and analyzing data. It is highly scalable and users can create beautiful cartographies for urban and city planning.

Cons:

It can be a little bit complex for new users to understand the platform and its layers

Kushan
Kushan
Planning Engineer in Sri Lanka
Verified LinkedIn User
Construction, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

A Quality Product to Improve Decision Making and Planning Strategies

5.0 last year

Comments: This software was introduced to me when I was doing my university research on landslide susceptibility mapping. By overlapping different types of geographical maps and creating a land use map in the area, I was able to find that there is a high possibility of a landslide occurring in the considered area.Till then, I am using different features of this software in my role of planning Engineer.

Pros:

Spatial analysis can be done using different methods for an effective decision making and these type of analysis are can be done in various sectors. In my role now as a planning engineer, I use this in route planning for the material and goods transportation to reduce the transportation cost. Since its data visualization is so much effective I am able to make inventory management, and dispatch management very much easier. Without this software, it would have been way more difficult.

Cons:

For me it took some time to get used to all the tools in ArcGIS since there lots of tools available that is based on your purpose of using the software.

Oumaima
research analyst in Morocco
Environmental Services, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: Free Trial
Reviewer Source

Unlocking the Power of Spatial Data

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: ArcGIS enables me to leverage location-based data to gain valuable insights into my business operations. By visualizing my data on maps, i can identify spatial patterns, trends, and relationships that can inform strategic decisions and improve efficiency.

Pros:

ArcGIS provides a comprehensive suite of tools and functionalities for managing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data. It offers a robust and versatile platform that caters to the needs of various industries and sectors

Cons:

ArcGIS is a commercial software that comes with licensing fees, which can be a barrier for individuals or organizations with limited budgets. The cost of acquiring and maintaining ArcGIS licenses can be a challenge, particularly for smaller or non-profit entities.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Nonprofit Organization Management, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS for Non-Profits

5.0 last year

Pros:

Its the best GIS Software you can possibly use. It has every app and every thing you could ever need. As long as you can pay for it

Cons:

Nothing. Its perfect, there isn't anything that it can do.

Surya
GIS expert in India
Civil Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS

4.0 last year

Comments: im totally love with this software. last 6 years im working with ArcGIS software.the best part is visualization and professinal data quality and Delivery also customer support .

Pros:

ArcGIS is totally a professional Software. most favourite part of this software is the wide range of functions,tools,and also online support of ESRI.

Cons:

too costly. the user interface is bit slow.need good configration system for good working condition.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Medical Practice, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Fast but Expensive GIS software

4.0 3 years ago

Comments: It was quite good experience but for me this software is expensive as compare to the features they are providing.

Pros:

Software's speed and data processing ability I liked the most. Software overall user base is too large. Which gives more trust.

Cons:

Less support in India and its limited tools/features. One need different different tools and add-ons to perform specific tasks.

Joseph
Joseph
Senior Engineer in Kenya
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Agrxis Review on ArcGIS

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: My capacity to analyze and interpret geographical data has significantly improved because to ArcGIS, a superb geospatial platform. I have been able to gather insightful knowledge and make wise decisions because to its potent geospatial analysis and mapping skills. The variety of tools and functionalities offered is astounding, and the user interface is simple to use. Particularly helpful features of the platform are its interaction with different data sources and its ability to produce unique geographical applications. Overall, ArcGIS has been a crucial tool for my geospatial projects and has significantly increased my productivity while using spatial data. I wholeheartedly endorse ArcGIS to everyone involved in geospatial analysis and mapping.

Pros:

I'm really amazed by ArcGIS and all of its features. ArcGIS has surpassed my expectations in every way, from its robust mapping and geospatial analytic tools to its sophisticated location tracking and data visualization capabilities. The platform has become an indispensable tool for my job thanks to its user-friendly design, large library of geographic data, and smooth connection with several devices and systems. My decision-making process has been greatly enhanced by the capacity to produce personalized maps, conduct in-depth analysis, and communicate insights with stakeholders. In addition, ArcGIS's extensive community and support resources have been crucial in guiding me as I've explored new features and overcame obstacles. Overall, ArcGIS has evolved into a crucial tool that allows me to fully utilize geospatial data and produce outstanding outcomes for my projects.

Cons:

Thus far, my experience with ArcGIS has been very positive and I have not encountered any issues or concerns.

Thomas
Project Manager in US
Civil Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS for Surveying

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Best GIS software available

Pros:

Interfaces with GPS units for easy data collection and importing. Online maps enable you to see what is being collected in near real-time. Near infinite options on how to present and display data.

Cons:

Cannot interface with total station for data collection (from what I can tell). Occasional software crash with no auto-save.

Oday
Master student in Climate change in Jordan
E-Learning, 5,001–10,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

It is important application to production of thematic maps in environmental fields

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Very important application in computers of master and doctoral student , and Environmental researchers

Pros:

Resolution of produced maps especially in Climate changes

Cons:

Flexible to options access and do not need a lot experience

Francisco
geologist in Brazil
Mining & Metals, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of ArcGIS: evaluating its advantages and disadvantages

5.0 2 years ago

Pros:

Advanced spatial analysis tools, including mapping, decision support and modeling.Integration with a wide variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, demographic information and remote sensing data.Ability to share information and collaborate with other teams and organizations, thanks to its cloud-based platform.Wide range of applications and features, including mobile apps, visualization tools and data management solutions.

Cons:

There may be a high cost for implementation and use, depending on organizational needs.There may be a learning curve for novice users, especially with regards to more advanced tools.Integration with other systems may be complex and require additional effort.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Construction, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

good software data collection and data view

5.0 2 years ago

Pros:

this app is very important for everyone working in the geography field you will make maps from the base map of this app by drawing on the base map by making a layer of polygon and transferring it to make new maps and continue this app two languages visual basic and python to make business intelligence

Cons:

no least in this app because it's updated quickly and fast distributed on over the world

Oluwasegun
GIS Analyst and Cartographer in Poland
Information Technology & Services, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS, a powerful GIS software

4.0 3 years ago

Comments: I have been using ArcGIS for the bast 8years. My overall experience has been great.

Pros:

I like the graphical user interface. the GUI, you cab easily pick and drop a tool. Also the search option make it more interesting that one can save a lot of time instead of looking for a particular tool, you can now easily search with the search button.

Cons:

ArcGIS is great and compatible with another of software integrations. I really can't point out a specific thing I do not like about ArcGIS

Howard
Howard
Analista in Venezuela
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS, the most advanced GIS tool so far

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: With ArcGIS I have worked in multiple academic and work exercises, calculating risk indices for loads in the hydrographic basins, housing in inadequate areas, public services coverage in small population centers.
I have built models to perform analyzes in several areas simultaneously, saving money and time. we have saved on editing and publication of thematic maps.
we built more than 100 geodatabase which has guaranteed the maintenance of consolidated databases, which we have shared with other planner users of the worked areas.
In particular it is the best vector software with which I have worked

Pros:

ArcGis has developed multiple tools, adapted to the requirements of the users, ranging from the capture of data by means of GPS, remote sensors to a simple load by address of the property, the ESRI developments go from the PC to the data management online through ArcGIS online. The tools for calculating variables, buffer, interconnection, management of geographic projections, selection by attribute, by spatial location, inside or outside the defined polygon, pattern analysis, data conversion with other programs are CAD or GIS. Stresses the fact that the tools were designed with the collaboration of many scientists in the area of geo-statistics such as L. Anselin, P. Zandbergen, D Mcleod, among others. ArcGIS presents the innovation of managing a compilation of data in Geodatabase, which facilitates the management of files, regardless of the raster or vector format, without corruption or loss of components that can alter the performance of the final display of .mxd files ArcGIS online empowers researchers to share data through the ESRI data server, sharing cartographic databases that, in some places in the world where the culture of geographic data is deficient, are therefore highly needed. The design of maps is ArcGIs is very simple with the tools of workflow by means of modelBuilder and the handling of the Layout and the ways of making thematic maps and 3D representations is amazing.

Cons:

ArcGIS only works on the Windows system, it is a proprietary software in which you must cancel the license according to the requirements that the project requires, the company or institution where you work, it can be expensive or very expensive if you choose to have all the software extensions . It has a free trial version for 30 days. You need a high performance team for the management of powerful databases, the manipulation of 3D data or satellite images processed in this environment. Its strength is the handling of vector data, the modules for the plot data do not present a wide development

Corey
Financial Analyst Associate in US
Financial Services, 5,001–10,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Very comprehensive product with a learning curve

5.0 2 years ago

Pros:

This product is truly comprehensive. You can make infographics at the click of a button, and you can do some great site suitability analysis. Excellent tools.

Cons:

This product is difficult to learn. There are features that would require a great deal of training in order to use. I would recommend bringing in a consultant for implementation of this product.

Joseph
Biologist in US
Environmental Services, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Leader of the Pack

5.0 5 years ago

Comments: I've regularly used ArcGIS since it was ArcView 3.1, for about 20 years I guess.

Pros:

ArcGIS leads the pack with functional tools like ArcMap, one of its most popular in spatial analysis. The tool-pack within ArcMAP allows users to convert layers to new formats, analyze data using a several geoprocessing tools, merge layers together and truly begin understanding landscape patterns. It has also been used to help forecast or predict after filtering layers or attributes within a layer to learn a unique set of characteristics that predict occurrence of a species or phenomenon, such as bank erosion. With the software, the user can subscribe to ESRI news to learn more about the broad applications of the product. And because it is so widely known, users can easily find tutorials and classes to learn the product. Recently I sought help from customer support and I will say, they are relentless at helping to diagnose the problem.

Cons:

There are a lot of competitors for ArcGIS, though none seem to do everything that ArcGIS does. Rather than spending time waiting for the software to open, recognize our network license, and load the base maps, I can usually find an answer to my question using Google Earth or something similar. The high level of functionality comes at a cost. In addition to the memory hungry aspects of ESRI, the user interface can be a little intimidating. There are many tools and ways to layout the interface. Sometimes it can be confusing to know where the tools are and how to access them. While the interface is customizable in some ways, the geoprocessing tools cannot be added to the interface (or I haven't figured out how) and toolbars need to be loaded each time. For example, when I'm creating a shape file, I have to continuously ask the software to open the window for creating features. I'm sure this is great for some people who don't like machine learning or having their computer assume too much of their needs. But for me, I love that and would really like to see some of these customizable elements become more user friendly. Not only would that make things a bit more efficient on my end, but it might also make the experience less daunting or confusing.

venkatasivaram
GIS QA SPECIALIST in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

GIS and what are the benefits of ARCGIS-ESRI suite of Tools

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: Amazing Worked for companies in India, USA, then back for Government clients in India, Oman, Dubai, europe and likewise. All the best with your search for a good GIS software.

Pros:

ESRI, Thank you since 1980s, ESRI has been a terrific performer, in Geospatial, Geotechnical, Geology, Government, Utilities, Transportation and Logistics, IT enablement. 1. ESRI is a high-end solutions and capabilities provider, their software can handle all kinds of requirements in LBS, Spatial Statistics, Data mining with GIS, Market Research with GIS, Geodatabases and likewise. 2. Pros in Information Technology world are primarily ArcPy, GIS consulting solutions for IT companies, main competitors Hexgon, General electric and others like IDRSI, ERDAS, SICAD, Transcad, Open gis platforms like Quantum GIS are weak and not customer specific. 3. Return on Investment, ROI from ArcGIS, ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox, ArcLogistics and solutions is good. Customization is excellent, their data models and work is exemplary in GIS world. 4. Licensing for Govt, Utilities, others is pricy as one would expect, but what can one do, customer support is good. Licensing is a major con. 5. GIS from ESRI-America is the dream for the Geographers, Engineers and other geospatial professionals to work with. ESRI internships all around the world. Also, it is used by Planners, Urban etc.

Cons:

Major Con: 1. ESRI is offering startups a free licensing for using it for GIS startups for one year. not enough. 2. Major con is license and training cost for young graduates around the world.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS, Industry Leader GIS Software

4.0 5 years ago

Comments: I have used ArcGIS most of my life, from my study time at university to my work in the academic sector. One can't run away from the fact ArcGIS offers the most complete and advanced tools that one can ever find in any GIS software and for that, no other software can compete with it.

Pros:

ArcGIS is by far the industry leader when it comes to the world of GIS and offers an extensive array of functionalities and tools that no other GIS software can offer.

Cons:

It is proprietary and quite costly to get a licence. It is least likely to be used by small to medium companies. Only government institutions and universities that can afford the huge licencing costs.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS the best

5.0 4 years ago

Comments: ArcGIS can use to setup boundaries for rainfall catchments. So that it helps to run rainfall-runoff models and predict whether flood can occur or not. So that, ArcGIS plays a major role as a supporting software for hydrological modeling softwares like HEC-HMS & Mike 11.

Pros:

ArcGIS is one of the best software that most civil engineers used atleast once in their life. It can easily download from internet. ArcGIS having user friendly interface wich beginner also easily handle the software too. Best thing about it is we can setup catchment boundaries of any specific area by easily using Digital Elevation Map(DEM). Using this we can easily get information about ground elevation, soil type of the area and much more information about the specific area that we concern about.

Cons:

ArcGIS uses some amount of storage usage within the computer. Also it use some memory in the computer too. Also to setup boundaries, you must aware about the software quiet extent.

Kevin
Kevin
GIS Coordinator in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Utilities, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ArcGIS is the GIS

5.0 3 years ago

Pros:

ESRI is THE GIS company. For handling everything geospatial, they are the go to company

Cons:

There are fun errors that are legendarily frustrating. Reading documentation is a language of it's own. But nothing classes can't overcome

Amanda
Asset/GIS manager in US
Government Administration, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

WJCUD mapping and asset collection

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: Very pleased with the software and will be using more option as they come available

Pros:

New Pro software is more user friendly and has so many more capabilities

Cons:

publishing server maps can be a problem and sometimes causes errors

Greysi N.
Greysi N.
Profesional de Proyectos de Investigación in Venezuela
Verified LinkedIn User
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

The most complete GIS tool

4.0 6 years ago

Pros:

ArcGIS by Esri has a great reputation and experience in the GIS software market, for which it has great competitiveness to position itself as the main option for computerized geographic analysis. Impeccable reporting, advanced statistical tools and effective handling of large amounts of vector or raster data make it simply the best.

Cons:

Personally, I believe that the cost and high hardware requirements of ArcGIS limit individual entrepreneurs willing to give their start in a second level analysis. However, it is important to highlight that for these cases there are several free access softwares with powerful analysis tools that, despite not having the complete and integrated analysis of ArcGIS, can satisfy certain advanced needs. On the other hand, investing in this software represents a strength to be on the tip of the iceberg, since the response time and the depth of the analysis can be much more favorable for the client.

Eric
Eric
Transportation Planner in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 10,000+ Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Highly Functional Mapping Software

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: I use ArcGIS on a weekly basis as an urban planning consultant to graphically show and analyze data, including demographic trends, transportation modeling scenarios, employment trends, and basic area mapping. Without ArcGIS, my job would be much more difficult and it would be much harder to display spatial data for the deliverables we create.

Pros:

The ability to do hardcore spatial data analysis relatively easily is a huge benefit. Being able to produce high quality maps is great for my work as an urban planner. The functionality is seemingly endless and as a avid user for the past 5 years, there are still aspects of GIS that I have yet to learn. Finally, the ability to export maps to other formats is very helpful from a graphic design standpoint and allows me to modify the maps in graphic focused software to further enhance the look.

Cons:

This software is very advanced and can take a long time to learn. Casual users may have trouble learning how to use the software because of how complicated it is. The graphic outputs are not as visually appealing as they could be and additional work or rendering is needed to really make them stand out, which requires additional software.