Smartphone App Allows Users to Navigate Maps, Capture and Report Data, and Perform GIS Analyses

Esri has expanded its mobile geographic information system (GIS) platform to now support the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The new ArcGIS for iOS includes both a free downloadable application from Apple's app store and an API for developers to build custom mapping solutions.

Esri has released an updated version of its ArcGIS for iOS app. In addition to using the app to discover and explore maps, find places and addresses, and query map layers and data, users can now collect and update geographic information system (GIS) information directly from their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch devices.
The app lets users collect, edit, and update features and attribute information while performing field data collection and inspection. The update is available at no cost from the App Store.
Users of the updated ArcGIS app can

• Use onboard GPS to collect and update GIS data.
• Attach photos and movies to collected data.
• Tap on the map to get information about a location.

In addition to the ArcGIS app, an API is also available that lets developers and Esri partners create focused, spatially enabled applications for iOS devices. These custom apps can be deployed within an enterprise or to the public via the App Store.

ArcGIS for iOS uses capabilities from ArcGIS Online to provide a seamless and easy user experience. Users can navigate maps and discover assets from Web services as well as capture new data from the field and send information back to the server. This allows ArcGIS Server customers to leverage their GIS investment by using the device to access their corporate data. ArcGIS for iOS also promotes collaboration and information sharing between multiple users in the field.

The ArcGIS for iOS application includes
·    Map navigation using native iOS gestures
·    Search, Identify, and Measure tools
·    Ability to share maps and GIS information with other iOS users

A native application, ArcGIS for iOS serves as a mobile gateway into the ArcGIS system. It provides access to services available through ArcGIS Online or on-site ArcGIS Server deployments hosting authoritative corporate data. The ArcGIS for iOS application consumes maps authored and hosted through ArcGIS Server.

The ArcGIS API for iOS is designed to work with and use Web services available from ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Online. Developers and Esri partners will use the API to create applications for both external and internal use. They can also easily build applications that work with their own published Web services.

Video_DEMO: ArcGIS for iPhone--Introduction