In our latest GeoMarvel Live, we explore different ways to package up your ArcGIS Pro projects for distribution, collaboration, and sharing purposes. Check out the video below for a step-by-step demonstration on packaging Map Files, Map Packages, Mobile Map Packages, and Project Packages. For more GIS-related tutorial videos, make sure to visit our GeoMarvel Live! YouTube Channel.
ArcGIS Pro is a platform enabling you to manage data, create stunning 2D and 3D maps, and perform in-depth analysis using a range of available geoprocessing tools. From government and transportation, to utilities and retail stores, ArcGIS Pro enables all users to analyze data to solve complex spatial problems.
To begin sharing Map Files, users will first need to add their data to the ArcGIS Pro project. Once added to Pro, the most basic way to share one’s map is by clicking the Map Files button in the Save As section, under the Share tab. From there, give the map a unique name and press Save so you have access to this map locally, and offline. Map Files provide users with a way for the map to exist outside of the project, allowing others to view the map created. Map Files can be shared through a multitude of ways including S3 buckets, email, Arcgis Online, Enterprise, and ArcGIS Pro, just to name a few. Upon opening Map Files, it should be known that all data is identical to what was shown in ArcGIS Pro, including symbology, layer order, and all other stylistic attributes.
Map Packages allow users to share completed maps, that contain Map Files and data sources, with other users. The most common way to share one’s map is by clicking the Map button in the Package section, under the Share tab. From there users will have to determine where they want to save their Map Package, either locally or to their online account. After providing a location to save the Map Package, users will want to give their project a name, provide a summary, and add tags. Once all sections are filled out, users are ready to analyze their project for errors and warning that ArcGIS Pro may have found. If no issues have been found, users are in the clear to Package up their map for collaboration and sharing purposes.
Map Packages allow users to share completed maps, that contain Map Files and data sources, with other users. There are a few ways to package up a map, and the most common way involves clicking the Map button in the Package section, under the Share tab. From there users will have to determine where they want to save their Map Package, either locally or to their online account. After providing a location to save the Map Package, users will want to give their project a name, provide a summary, and add tags. Once all sections are filled out, users are ready to analyze their project for errors and warning that ArcGIS Pro may have found. If no issues have been found, users are in the clear to Package up their map for collaboration and sharing purposes.
Another way to package up your map is by going into the Geoprocessing tool, typing in Package Map, and clicking the first option under Data Management Tools. Going this route provides more freedom and fine-tuning over how the map is packaged (compared to the first option above). First input the map you wish to package, and then select the output files. Here you can name, and save your map package to the location of your choosing. Once the Input and Output options have been established, users have to ability to fill out additional package details that were not originally presented in the first sharing option. From here, fill out an appropriate summary, and relevant tags, and then Run to package your map.
Another type of Map Package that can be created is a Mobile Map Package. This is very handy for developers who are used to working with Runtime SDK or other mobile applications within the ArcGIS system. The Mobile Map Package can be found next to the regular Map Package option, in the Package section, under the Share tab. Mobile Map provides a similar look to the regular Map Package interface. It should be noted that when saving a Mobile Map Package, the project will save as a .mmpk file, as opposed to a Map Package where the project will save as a .mmpx file. After filling out the remaining details, analyze and package the project to complete the process.
Similarly, this can be accomplished through the Geoprocessing tool much like the Map Package, but this time typing in “Create Mobile Map Package” instead. Follow the same steps as before and your map will be packaged for mobile consumption.
The final step of sharing your ArcGIS Pro package involves Packing up your Project. A Project Package is a file that contains all maps and data, referenced by its layers, as well as all toolboxes, folder connections, attachments, geoprocessing history, and links. It’s the ultimate way to package up everything in your project and share it with another user. To do this, start by clicking New Project Package which can be found next to the regular Map Package option, in the Package section, under the Share tab. Just like the Map Package and Mobile Map Package options before, fill out the description the same way, check analyze, and finally click Package to package your project. This file extension for this will then be saved in .ppkx format. And that’s it! The Pro project has been located, saved, and filled out just how we want. Users can now have the ability to share with others as needed.
New to ArcGIS Pro or just looking to expand your knowledge? Reach out to our team, and start a conversation to see how we can get you and your organization started utilizing this powerful technology!
