ESRI releases ArcGIS for iOS

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.

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. The ArcGIS API for iOS is currently in public beta, with final release expected in August 2010.

Outside the United States, contact your local ESRI distributor. For a current distributor list, visit ESRI Distributors.