Esri has launched a new version of ArcGIS Pro, 2.5. This new version contains many improvements which I think you all might find useful. In general terms, ArcGIS Pro has achieved about 95% functionality equality with ArcMap and ArcCatalog. In some areas, ArcGIS Pro has surpassed ArcMap, such as raster and lidar capabilities and in some areas it is still behind such as Map Annotation and Graphics.
So back to the main question. What new capabilities does this newest release bring to the table? Here are a few highlights which I think many of us will benefit from.
- ArcGIS Notebooks are now integrated into ArcGIS Pro so that you can perform analysis and view results. Click here to learn more about ArcGIS Notebooks.
- You can now create Network Datasets from inside ArcGIS Pro using the Create Network Dataset geoprocessing tool as long as you have the Network Analyst Extension. In the past either the Network dataset had to be created in ArcMap or already exist.
- ArcGIS Pro now allows you to create, manage and sync replicated databases. This new capability in ArcGIS Pro is supported through new geoprocessing tools (create replicas, manage replicas and synchronize changes) as well as a new context menu.
- ArcGIS Pro now allows you to export to Adobe Illustrator with the AIX (Adobe Illustrator Exchange) file.
- Chart Symbology type has been added to ArcGIS Pro. This works the same way it does in ArcMap. You can create pie, bar and stacked bar chart symbology.
- Feature Binning has been improved in this release. It appears immediately after being enabled. No longer requiring you to remove and re-add the layer. ArcGIS Pro also honors this ability on map services.
- Two new 3D system styles have been added, 3D Infrastructure and 3D Recreation. Several new symbols have also been added to existing styles as well such as several crosshatch symbols, Cropland, Sand, Swamp, Fire Hydrant, bike rack, fountains and more.
- Overall performance has been improved as well. Symbol changes, snapping, selections and identifying all appear to run faster. This is also impacted by your hardware resources. Remember ArcGIS Pro does require much beefer hardware to run effectively.
- Pop-up windows are not supported in the Catalog View
- A Find and Replace tool has been added to the Table view window. Also you can freeze one or more columns in the table view like you can in Excel.
- Image attachments can now be added to ArcGIS Pro reports.
- You now have the ability to either run Geoprocessing tools immediately or schedule them to run later.
- Utility Networks are now supported in a File Geodatabase. This is referred to as the single-user model. Click here to learn more about this new model.
As I mentioned these are just a few of the enhancements Esri has made to this new version of ArcGIS Pro. As with any new version, I encourage you to test it thoroughly before putting it to your main production environment. For a complete list of all the new capabilities you can go to – https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/whats-new-in-arcgis-pro.htm
