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ArcGIS is great for mapping once the program is learned
February 19, 2018

ArcGIS is great for mapping once the program is learned

Dmitry Galkin | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with ArcGIS

Several people throughout our company use ArcGIS to create visual stories through maps. We often work with cities, because of which we need to make maps using parcel data.
  • ArcGIS is very good at allowing one to incorporate data from different sources, for example matching parcel shapefiles to Excel-based data on certain parcels.
  • When used properly, ArcGIS can be good at showing compelling stories visually. This is useful when one needs to convey geographical information quickly.
  • ArcGIS does a good job of maintaining a consistent interface over different updates. This makes it easier for someone, once trained in ArcGIS, to adapt quickly to a new version.
  • ArcGIS can be a difficult interface to get used to for new users. There are many tools at one's fingertips, but it takes a while to learn them. A standard tutorial program may be available, but should be marketed more to companies that use ArcGIS.
  • I'd like to see ArcGIS connect more to publicly available shapefile data that could be accessed and incorporated directly through the program.
  • I think a user forum, with input from administrators, similar to what IMPLAN provides, would be very useful. This could help users ask questions and get answers on tips for using ArcGIS.
  • I don't really like the credit-based subscription system to which ArcGIS transitioned. Perhaps it's more fair overall, as it links usage to cost, but the fact that credits do not carry over seems like a punishment for the subscribers who use ArcGIS moderately.
  • It has allowed us to provide a greater value to our clients in the form of including maps, as necessary.
  • From what I understand, ArcGIS is a very costly program.
  • ArcGIS enables us to pursue projects that we would not otherwise be able to perform.
I am not aware of programs similar to ArcGIS enough to be considered an alternative.
ArcGIS is very suitable for situations when you need to create detailed maps. It is not suitable if you do not need to create a map and you have limited or no experience in the program already.