ArcGIS is fundamentally an open platform. We take this seriously, as it ensures our users’ data and systems are interoperable with other technologies. Embracing this approach can be challenging because different organizations have different approaches, philosophies, and preferences for implementing interoperability. At Esri, we are working to support multiple pathways to ensure that our system is open. Here’s how:
Open Standards
We support open standards and are active in many organizations, including the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), to help drive and develop new standards.
Open Data Formats
We support open data formats so different technologies can work well together. This enables one commercial off-the-shelf product to talk directly to another. It is the most efficient way to achieve interoperability because the two products simply work together using common data formats. We implemented ArcGIS Open Data so you can openly share your data in multiple formats.
Open System
We make sure our system is open. This means open APIs. We have open-source tool libraries and bring open-source packages into our environment. We participate in GitHub, with more than 300 open-source projects. Our extendible architecture allows you to add to it, and you can embed our technology into other integrated solutions.
Our approach—multiple pathways to interoperability—is successful, as evidenced by the thousands of systems our customers have implemented. These systems are complex and heterogeneous, and they work.
To get involved or learn more about our approach to building ArcGIS as an open platform, please visit Esri’s Commitment to Open page.
Sincerely,
Jack Dangermond
