Find maps, data, tools, and symbols quickly.
The new Search window lets you manage a local index with links to geographic data, map documents, and geoprocessing tools. System geoprocessing tools are always indexed. You can add searchable keywords to metadata, maps, and user geoprocessing tools for instant access without browsing. Find symbol styles quickly with the Symbol Selector dialog box.
Automate map production workflows with Python scripting.
Python scripting at ArcGIS 10 goes beyond extending ArcGIS with generic modules and the geoprocessing framework. The ArcPy site package includes a mapping module for interacting with map documents. Data sources, map series, printing, and exporting can be automated using stand-alone scripts or geoprocessing tools. The ArcGIS Resource Center contains great examples of scripting with arcpy.mapping.
Manage map series in a single MXD with Data Driven Pages.
Create a map series from an index feature class. Multiple pages can be generated from a single map layout definition and an index layer using Data Driven Pages. Using a menu, users can interactively navigate the map series or, using the arcpy.mapping Python module, script bulk map production workflows.
Use more than 750 geoprocessing tools.
Geoprocessing science continues to advance in ArcGIS 10 with many new tools and workflow capabilities. In addition to accessing tools in the ArcToolbox window, you can access tools from the Catalog tree or the Search window. Tools can also be rerun from the Results window history tree. Geoprocessing tools can be dragged into the Python window for scripting use or run in the background, which keeps ArcGIS applications responsive during geoprocessing.
Map and analyze time-aware feature classes.
ArcGIS 10 supports time awareness in layers. Maps with time-aware layers can be displayed at a moment in time or visualized over time using the time slider.
Integrate workflows with ArcGIS Online Services.
Create and share layer and map packages interactively and through geoprocessing that incorporates the data and symbology of the source map document. These packages can be shared as file-based resources or from ArcGIS Online accounts, making data and published maps available to all users.
Use and manage imagery efficiently.
Process raster data on the fly using specified renderers and other processes that meet display and analysis requirements without writing new files. The Image Analysis window manages raster layers individually or in sets and allows you to work with image properties, radiometric bands, and pixel classifications without affecting the table of contents properties.
Connect to spatial databases with native queries.
Query and display native spatial data types for Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Oracle, DB2, Informix, and PostgreSQL databases (whether or not a shape column is present) using standard database client connectivity and SQL statements. These query layers in ArcMap support read-only display and geoprocessing with dynamic access to the host database yet with intelligent extent filtering and support for Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standard spatial operators in the SQL layer definition.
Borrow concurrent ArcGIS Desktop licenses for fieldwork.
You can now borrow or check out a concurrent use desktop license for use when you are disconnected from the network. Borrowed licenses expire after a predefined period of time, which can be set by the license administrator.
Edit geodatabase features in intuitive, map-driven feature templates.
Feature templates define the geometry type and construction tool, default attribution, and symbology for each feature type and are organized in the map document. If feature templates haven't been created when you begin editing, ArcGIS will create them automatically from layer definitions. These templates can be subsequently organized as required with names, descriptions, and tags. Because templates persist with a map document, they facilitate purpose-built editing of maps for efficient data automation.
