idea Enable ArcGis Explorer to read map packages in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Enable ArcGis Explorer to read map packages

DanaKern — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:31:27 GMT

When creating a package from ArcMap 10.0, the package can be uploaded to ArcGIS Online, my content, or saved to a file.
However, ArcGIS Explorer does not support the map package (mpk) format, only layer package (lpk) format.

The idea: We should enable ArcGIS Explorer to read mpk's.

Example: User X utilizes ArcMap and creates and edits all of the maps for the company. User Y needs to view the maps but only has ArcGIS Explorer available to them.
User X should be able to upload mpk's to ArcGIS Explorer so that user Y is able to view the maps.
By utilizing mpk's rather than lpk's it will display the entire map that user X has created without having to group all the layers and create layer packages.

Re: Enable ArcGis Explorer to read map packages

SarahGreenlaw — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:29:26 GMT

This is a VERY good idea! I have to go back & forth creating the layers in ArcMap, then bringing them all individually into ArcGIS Explorer.. and it would be so much easier to set it up without a dual system.

Re: Enable ArcGis Explorer to read map packages

WilGorr1 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:04:11 GMT

ArcExplorer Online does not even let you include a layer package in a map. You can only view an online layer package in ArcGIS Desktop.

Re: Enable ArcGis Explorer to read map packages

JulianInskip — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 03:47:29 GMT

Good idea.

What I normally do is to create a group of all my layers in my MXD then create a Layer Package of that group. I can then add it into ArcGIS Explorer Desktop.

Re: Enable ArcGis Explorer to read map packages - Status changed to: Closed

ValeriaChavez — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:59:05 GMT

Hi @DanaKern

ArcGIS Explorer Desktop is retired as of Oct 1, 2017. As a retired product there will be no new development, patches/bug fixes, or live technical support.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas. We truly appreciate your contributions to continuously improving the software to help you do your work and look forward to what ideas you have for ArcGIS.