The next update of ArcGIS Business Analyst Enterprise is planned for May 21, 2026, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Explore a new POI category system, redesigned search experience, and improved preferences and customization options to provide precision and speed to your analysis.
Please note that all planned updates are subject to change; check back to stay informed about the latest news regarding the upcoming release. Our What's New blog article and documentation will provide a comprehensive list of enhancements.
New features
Introducing Esri Categories
The new Esri Categories system is a proprietary classification system that standardizes global POI category searches across the Data Axle, SafeGraph, and Foursquare data sources into one consistent system. When using the Category search tab in points of interest search, users will see the new option to choose the Esri Categories system to find relevant businesses, facilities, and services. This new experience provides a faster and more consistent POI search.
New nearby analysis workflow
Nearby analysis, introduced in Business Analyst Web App in November 2025, allows users to visualize nearby points of interest in their defined area. Discover result statistics like total points per area, distance from each location to its corresponding site, as well as the density or saturation of locations within each area.
Performance and productivity improvements
Redesigned search experience
Users will now be able to search for addresses, standard geographies, and points of interest in one streamlined experience. You will no longer have to use the drop-down menu to select the type of search; instead, you can enter your own search terms and view results grouped by type of place or area (e.g., addresses, standard geographies).
Previously, users could search for web maps. In this update, this option will no longer be available in the workflow but can still be accessed through the Add web maps and layers workflow.
Improved code search structure
A hierarchy will be added to the Code search tab in points of interest search. You will be able to expand and collapse check boxes to find the desired industry codes.
Advanced search
In points of interest search, conditions based on categories will be updated to no longer restrict “or” expressions, making it possible to combine categories using the OR operator.
Buffer selector in results step - point data aggregation and nearby analysis
When working with multi-buffer sites, users will now see a switcher column added to the table tab. Setting custom buffers will override individually set buffers in nearby analysis.
Preferences added for table customization - Results pane
Fields will be customizable for each data source in the Customize table options in the Results pane. Table preferences can be configured during the POI search workflow and then saved back to preferences.
New layout options – share to a story workflow
A third step has been added for selecting the layout when sharing Business Analyst sites, maps, reports, and infographics in an ArcGIS StoryMaps story. Users will be able to choose between floating, docked, or slideshow layout options. The classic option will also remain available. Easily preview new layouts before selecting the layout option. An updated guided tour step will be added to highlight the new layout step for easy on-boarding walkthroughs.
Custom benchmarks in benchmark comparisons
Benchmark comparisons will now support custom benchmark values. Previously, users could benchmark against the mean, median, or a site. Now, you will be able to define a customized benchmark by setting values for each variable, tailoring comparisons to your goals for more relevant and actionable insights.
Additional resources:
We’re so happy to share this upcoming release of ArcGIS Business Analyst Enterprise with you! For more information, check out the following resources:
