ArcGIS AppStudio is a software development platform developed by Esri that allows users to create custom mobile applications for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices using ArcGIS mapping and geospatial technology. Since 2015, our team at GeoMarvel has utilized AppStudio for ArcGIS to develop more than 15 unique applications, all of which have been deployed for critical use cases and initiatives.
With AppStudio for ArcGIS, our team was able to innovate with our clients, developing new technologies every day to build lasting and scalable mobile solutions. Some of our solutions have been integrated with Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems such as VMware Workspace ONE and IBM’s MaaS360, thereby enhancing these organizations’ enterprise capabilities. The GeoMarvel team was even honored to support Esri with extending Survey123 with development of the Survey123 Nearby Add-in.
In the electric utility space, GeoMarvel has supported the development of applications that have been utilized by thousands of users to collect and analyze data both offline and online, resolving issues concerning asset management, preventative data collection, emergency response, general assessment, and reporting of assets in the field, among others.
In the non-profit sector, our applications have engaged tens of thousands of users, such as with Earth Challenge2020, which was built in partnership with EarthDay Network, Woodrow Wilson Center and the U.S. Department of State for community-based data collection efforts focused on environmental cleanup. We continue to expand our capacity to support development efforts for clients using AppStudio for ArcGIS, as we consider it a highly valuable asset. To summarize, we have successfully deployed applications on app stores and MDMs, benefiting tens of thousands of users worldwide.
Our Senior Application Developer, Kevin Cheriyan, shared his perspective on the recent announcement regarding the retirement of ArcGIS AppStudio. He expressed that his experience working in ArcGIS AppStudio has been unparalleled and highly rewarding. Esri’s provision of templates and the AppStudio framework made it effortless for users to develop cross-platform applications, and no other solution on the market compares to it in terms of cost and ease of use. Additionally, AppStudio provided high flexibility for superusers who wanted customized functionality from their applications. By utilizing existing templates, users could make edits as they saw fit.
The AppStudio team at Esri also provided invaluable support during the development and deployment of these applications. We are immensely grateful for their unwavering dedication to creating a unique and highly effective product that has been an asset to both the developer and user communities.
ArcGIS AppStudio 5.5 was made available on February 28th, 2023 and is designated as a “Long Term Support” (LTS) release. It will be the last major release of the product, and any future updates will be limited to hotfixes that address significant bugs, ensure compatibility with app stores, and meet security requirements until the product’s retirement. No additional features will be introduced to AppStudio following the release of version 5.5. As support for AppStudio sunsets over the next two years, Esri recommends exploring other options to support mobile GIS applications, such as leveraging ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET with the .NETMaui hybrid mobile framework..
AppStudio Cloud Make will be retired in February 2025 but users can still publish apps to app stores until then. Custom apps will not automatically stop working after February 2025, but app updates cannot be guaranteed after this date. AppStudio Player will be available to download from the app stores and the AppStudio resource page until February 2025, but no official support will be provided after that. Technical support for AppStudio will be available until February 2025.
Esri will continue to provide updates to Survey123 and QuickCapture, which are built using AppStudio, but the Survey123 add-in framework will no longer be developed. Access to the source code of Survey123 and QuickCapture is available on a case-by-case basis. Esri is exploring alternative options for deploying custom-signed and custom-branded versions of Survey123 and QuickCapture without the need for developer skills.
ArcGIS AppStudio has been a popular application among our team, and other users alike, and its retirement may disappoint them. However, we are excited to see what new developments Esri has in store for the future.
Additional Resources:
If you are interested in exploring how to migrate your current AppStudio applications, build new innovative GIS mobile applications, or any other GIS-related support, feel free to start a conversation with our team of ArcGIS professionals!
