ArcGIS Mobile

ArcGIS Mobile is a geographic information system (GIS) software platform that enables organizations to deliver GIS data and services from centralized servers, providing real-time access to information over wireless networks to a range of Windows Mobile devices. At version 10.1, ArcGIS Mobile has been renamed to ArcGIS for Mobile.

The ArcGIS Mobile application for Windows Mobile Pocket PCs lets you deploy mobile GIS applications right out of the box. This configurable application works with any Windows Mobile 5 or 6 Pocket PC by integrating with ArcGIS Server to provide central management and deployment of mobile GIS data, maps, tasks, and projects from the ArcGIS Server Manager. With the out-of-the-box ArcGIS Mobile application, users can:
 * View and navigate mobile maps to direct field resources effectively and monitor the location of assets.
 * Collect, edit, and update new and existing GIS data in real time.
 * Utilize the device rocker, stylus, or Global Positioning System (GPS) to improve field efficiency.
 * Search for and manage a list of GIS features to perform current tasks or future work.
 * Check the device status to access network and data service connections.

ArcPad vs. ArcGIS Mobile
ArcPad is an efficient GIS solution for mobile applications and field data collection; it provides dozens of tools for mapping, query, field editing, and analysis. It operates entirely in a disconnected environment where users download information from ArcGIS Desktop; take information out into the field; and, upon return, upload the edits and collected data to the desktop. ArcPad can also be customized for specific field tasks or projects.

By contrast, ArcGIS Mobile is used to build and deploy custom mobile applications and is installed as a part of ArcGIS Server. ArcGIS Mobile is designed to support specific field workflows. Work done in the field can be published and made instantly available to the entire organization. ArcGIS Mobile is considered an enterprise application because it synchronizes directly with an enterprise server.

ArcGIS Mobile is used to develop focused applications. It is also a platform for real-time tracking where users can build an application that tracks the location of mobile workers from a central server environment (e.g., to create and share a common operating picture). One can easily imagine how an organization with many field-workers may wish to track the workers’ locations as well as receive input and observations from their field activities.

Supported data formats and operating systems
ArcGIS Mobile is installed as part of ArcGIS Server Advanced Enterprise for the .NET platform. Mobile devices that run ArcGIS Mobile applications support the following device operating systems:

ArcGIS Mobile Out of the Box Application
 * Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone and Pocket PC editions
 * Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 Standard, Classic, and Professional editions

Software Developer Kit
 * Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone and Pocket PC editions
 * Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 Standard, Classic, and Professional editions
 * Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PCs
 * Windows Vista, XP, and XP tablet