Support for File Geodatabase + Network Dataset After ArcGIS Engine Deprecation”

Question

We recently received communication regarding the deprecation of ArcGIS Engine Runtime and the retirement of transportation networks embedded in Mobile Map Packages (MMPKs) by March 1, 2026.

In our current mobile workflow, we are not using MMPKs with networks. Instead, our client provides a standalone file geodatabase (.geodatabase) along with a .tn folder (transportation network dataset). Our iOS application consumes this dataset directly using the ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift via RouteTask(pathToDatabaseURL:networkName:).

We have a few questions regarding this workflow,

* Is the file geodatabase + network dataset (.geodatabase + .tn) workflow fully supported beyond March 2026?

* Will there be any impact on generating these datasets from ArcGIS Pro for use in mobile apps after the ArcGIS Engine Runtime retirement?

* Are there any recommended alternatives for offline routing (beyond the geodatabase + .tn approach) that we should consider?

Thank you for your guidance.

MichaelBranscomb · Answer

Hi,

In ArcMap (ArcGIS Desktop) did you/they use the Create Runtime Content tool which generated files on disk in a folder?

With ArcGIS Pro, to create a network dataset for use with the SDK you use the Create Mobile Map Package tool. This effectively includes the same network dataset files (.geodatabase file and .tn folder) that the ArcMap workflow created (but of course with newer logic). The MMPK approach is beneficial because it's a single file to distribute/deploy to devices. While it is technically an archive file, there's no compression and the SDK can access content directly within the MMPK file, without needing to unpack. In code, you can get the network from the map with the Property TransportationNetworks. You can still unpack if it's important to your workflow - using the Method UnpackAsync.

To include a network dataset within a mobile map package, run one of the geoprocessing tools that create a network layer. For example, the most basic may be Make Network Dataset Layer (Network Analyst)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation.

Thanks

Narenkrishnaa · Answer

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your message. We have received information from our client that they are no longer using ArcGIS Desktop, so they are unable to generate the Network Dataset files. However, they are using ArcGIS Pro to generate the MMPK base map. I understand that it is possible to include the Network dataset within the MMPK so that mobile applications can utilize it upon unpacking. Would it be appropriate to suggest this solution to our client? If so, could you please share the documentation link that explains how to include a Network Dataset in an MMPK using ArcGIS Pro? Also, kindly share the link to generate the Network Dataset (.geodatabase + .tn) using ArcGIS Pro. If you could share both links, I can verify them and share with our client.

MichaelBranscomb · Answer

Hi,

Unfortunately, it's not possible to determine if your client's workflow is impacted by the upcoming retirement of ArcGIS Engine. We'll need to find out exactly what data format or technology the "network runtime" refers to, and what their current GIS software is. They mention creating mobile map packages (.mmpk files) which weren't available with ArcGIS Engine or ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) so it's possible their workflow is not affected.

Can you email ArcGISEngineDeprecation@esri.com and we can provide more advice specific to your situation?

Thanks

Mike