Home/Products/Desktop/ArcReader
Share on |

ArcReader

ArcReader is a free, easy-to-use desktop mapping application that allows users to view, explore, and print maps and globes. Anyone with ArcReader can view high-quality interactive maps authored by a higher-level ArcGIS Desktop product and published with the ArcGIS Publisher extension.

With ArcReader, you can

  • View, navigate, and print published ArcGIS maps using ArcReader (.pmf files).
  • Deploy your GIS data to novices and professionals alike.
  • Zoom, pan, and switch between map and page layout view.
  • Communicate more efficiently with the ability to graphically mark up maps.
  • Print published map and globe documents including all layer symbology and cartographic map elements on any supported printer.
  • Create custom ArcReader applications and embed ArcReader capabilities into existing applications.

ArcReader is a free and easy-to-use application that allows users to view and print maps that are published (as Published Map Files [PMF]) by the ArcGIS Publisher extension to ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo. PMF files preserve a live connection to the data so the user's data view is always dynamic. ArcReader significantly increases access to maps throughout all parts of an organization, introducing a new way for individuals and enterprises to share information that was once limited to those with advanced GIS software on their computers.

The key capabilities of ArcReader are

  • Zooming in/out
  • Panning
  • Going to previous/next extent
  • Viewing spatial bookmarks
  • Viewing and printing pre-authored map layouts
  • Searching with the Find tool
  • Identifying features
  • Hyperlink tool
  • Measuring features

Learn more about how easy it is to use ArcReader to view and explore data layers and print maps created with ArcGIS Publisher.

Download a more detailed comparison of the ArcGIS Desktop product key features


How can I create a Published Map File for use in ArcReader?

Use ArcGIS Publisher, an extension to ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo that converts ESRI map documents (MXD) or ArcGlobe documents (3DD) to Published Map Files for use with ArcReader.

Back to top

Can I edit a PMF with ArcReader?

No, ArcReader cannot create or modify the published maps. You need ArcGIS Publisher to create or edit PMF.

Back to top

How does ArcReader work with other ArcGIS products?

ArcReader is part of the ArcGIS family of software products. It is built from the same ArcObjects components as ArcGIS Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo). ArcReader works with maps authored by ArcMap or ArcGlobe and published with ArcGIS Publisher.

Back to top

How does ArcReader access GIS data?

ArcReader can only read data through a PMF. The PMF supports access to all standard vector and raster formats supported by ArcGIS. The PMF does not include the data. Rather, the PMF references the data whether it is on a local drive, a shared network drive, or an Internet service. The PMF preserves a live connection to the data, so the user's data view is dynamic.

Back to top

Can ArcReader add data layers to Published Map Files?

ArcReader is exclusively a map viewer for working with preauthored PMFs. ArcReader cannot add data to a PMF.

Back to top

How does ArcReader compare to the other ArcGIS Desktop products?

See the ArcGIS 9.1 Functionality Matrix or the ArcGIS 9.3 Functionality Matrix poster.

Back to top

Can ArcReader be customised?

ArcGIS Publisher includes access to the ArcReader developer component for embedding ArcReader or creating custom applications for viewing Published Map Files.

Back to top

How much does ArcReader cost?

ArcReader is free and is included with all ArcGIS 9 products. ArcReader can also be downloaded from the ESRI Web site.

Back to top