While we don’t have an exact release date, we expect Esri will be releasing ArcGIS Pro 2.1 sometime during the first quarter of 2018. We have been testing the beta version for a little bit now and Esri continues to add functionality to what is becoming their premier desktop GIS application.
So what improvements and new functions will you find in this new pending version?
- Improved symbology
- Dot Densities are now possible
- Enhance line symbology with text elements in conjunction with new measured units.
- Increased support for Grids and Granticules in layouts.
- Tables can be added to layouts
- Converting Labels to Geodatabase Annotation is supported in rotated maps.
- Faster label generation when multiple label classes are used.
- Increased support for Arcade Expression Language
- Works in Calculate Field tool
- Expressions for extrusion and feature elevation in Scenes
- You can select multiple fields to delete, reorder, show or hide
- Increased Geodatabase Annotation functionality
- Create Straight and Curved Annotation
- New Find Text tool to find and replace string values
- Construct Polygons tool from ArcMap Advanced Editing toolbar added.
These are just a few of the improvements you will find in this new version that is coming soon. To learn more about what Esri has in mind for this new release you can go to https://blogs.esri.com/
There are still many things ArcGIS Pro cannot do. Some of which it may never do. Here are a few key things ArcGIS Pro does not allow.
- Create, Edit or Display Personal Geodatabases. This one will most likely never happen as Esri seems to want to make personal geodatabases go away.
- Create Map Annotation or Graphics. This is another items Esri says will not be added to ArcGIS Pro at all. Their solution is to use map notes or geodatabase annotation instead.
- Copy Parallel editing tool. This they may add in the future.
- Support for Parcel Fabric. This will be coming in the future. Our best guess is toward the end of next year.
- Support for Cartographic Representations. Not sure if this will be added or not. Esri may replace this with Arcade expressions.
- Support for Geometric Networks. It looks like this will be replaced with something Esri is calling the Utility Network which will provide the same basic functionality but will be part of their new Utility Network Management Extension. That extension is also in beta testing right now. Looks like it will require ArcGIS Enterprise.
All in all, ArcGIS Pro 2.1 continues to be another step in the right direction. While it still does not have everything that ArcMap or ArcCatalog does, it continues to improve with each new release. If you have any ideas about functionality for ArcGIS Pro post them to https://community.esri.com/
