ArcGIS Pro 1.4 is now here and it represents possibly its biggest releases since Esri first introduced it. This new version goes a long way to put ArcGIS Pro on par with ArcMap and ArcCatalog for core functionality.

Now that ArcGIS Pro has most of the core functionality found in ArcMap and ArcCatalog plus tools that are only in ArcGIS Pro, expect Esri to really start pushing users to start transitioning to ArcGIS Pro. If you look at their website, ArcGIS Pro has now replaced ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap & ArcCatalog) for desktop GIS. Expect their training offerings to start shifting to ArcGIS Pro. So now is the time to really start looking at if, when and why you might want to begin migrating to ArcGIS Pro.

Benefits of ArcGIS Pro

So why should you consider migrating to ArcGIS Pro? Aside from the fact that Esri will soon be pushing you to do so, there are many benefits ArcGIS Pro brings to the table. Here are a few key benefits we have found:

1. Fully 64 bit enabling ArcGIS Pro to take full advantage of modern hardware including more than 4 GB RAM, Multi-core processors, Graphics Processors, and graphics RAM
2. Native Support for both 2D and 3D Maps
3. Intuitive and modern ribbon interface
4. Faster geoprocessing
5. Multiple ways to automate and streamline processes
6. Python Scripts
7. Models
8. Tasks
9. Arcade
10. Improved iteration with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise
11. Increased support for raster and lidar analysis
12. Support for multiple maps and layouts in a single project
13. Improved support for UAVs and UAS
14. .Net Development Environment
15. Multiple Licensing options

What's New in 1.4

So, what are some of the big improvements you will find in ArcGIS Pro 1.4? This release includes a lot of tools many of us have been waiting on to put ArcGIS Pro on par with the core functionality found in ArcMap. 

• Here are some of the new tools and functionality we believe are key that you will find in this release of ArcGIS Pro.
• Georeferencing of CAD and Imagery
• Use of Grids and Graticule
• Production of georeferenced ortho products from UAVs, satellites, and aerial photos
• Create and manage topologies
• New CAD tools tab
• Support for Alternate City names as well as street names when geocoding
• Register views with enterprise geodatabases
• Support for both LAS and ZLAS files
• Align Features tool added
• Create Multipatch features
• New Pipeline Extension

For a complete list of what has been added to ArcGIS Pro 1.4 go to http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/whats-new-in-arcgis-pro.htm.

If you have not looked at ArcGIS Pro yet, then you really need too. Esri has said they are no longer focusing on development for ArcMap or ArcCatalog. Their focus for new desktop functionality is all on ArcGIS Pro. While ArcMap will be around for a few more years (anywhere from 2 to 7 depending on who you ask), ArcGIS Pro is the future of desktop GIS in the Esri world. So now is time to start planning how you will migrate.

Tripp Corbin, MCP, CFM, GISP | Chief Executive Officer
eGIS Associates, Inc.

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