We utilize ArcGIS for each of our units. For example, we just completed our unit on the Middle Ages and are starting our unit on the Renaissance. There is a GeoInquiry that has students manipulate a map to not only see but understand the spread of the plague. They can toggle on and off different layers and icons to see how deadly the plague truly was, and how it led to the rebirth of Europe
Simply because the program deserves it. It seems to me that it is a fundamental tool for the storage, analysis, and interpretation of medium and large-scale phenomena, unmanageable with traditional engineering software. Its versatility in the handling of the different "layers" with which the data is handled and interpolation tools, make this software a powerful ally both for companies and for the educational part of the universities.
Once set up, the tools are extremely easy to use. I had a staff member develop a tool for field data collection, that included an external and internal dashboards to monitor progress in days. The field workers that collected the data, barely knew how to use a computer, and within minutes they could use the application that was configured for them.
Unlike other platforms (ex: EMSI), there is no "help desk" new users can easily call into for troubleshooting or errors, and so you have to spend LOTS of time trying workarounds. This is also because the help center blog posts are usually pretty confusing, and many times do not include images or videos to help you along. Any such changes would be immensely useful!
ArcGIS and QGIS have a lot of similarities between their products. Where ArcGIS stands out is with their online version of their software. ArcGIS's online solution will pair up with your on-prem solution to offer a fully synchronized system. I wasn't able to duplicate the efforts with QGIS's products and it also requires other 3rd party applications to offer something "somewhat" comparable.
The figures we can make using ArcGIS look professional and have everything a map is supposed to. They're also highly customizable (color scales, legends, etc) and really take a presentation or report from average to excellent. As a new company, it is extremely important to have quality reports and give our best to current and potential clients.
Once you have learned the methods for data analysis you use regularly, it can save loads of time compared to previous methods outside of ArcGIS.
The total time needed to really get comfortable with ArcGIS varies for people. Some get it quickly and some don't. It's a powerful program with lots of capabilities and it can be difficult to figure out without some sort of training (though some people do fine without). It depends on your employees, but for us it has been a great benefit despite training time because it improves our productivity and output much more.
