idea Import Geo PDF as Raster in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Import Geo PDF as Raster

ChrisStarbird1 — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 00:35:11 GMT

Here's a simple idea: Since all of the PDFs we've been exporting since ArcGIS 9.3 have the geo-referencing info built in, I'd like the ability to bring a PDF into ArcMap and have it appear as a georeferenced raster. That would be cool.

Re: Import Geo PDF as Raster

ErikGribbin — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 22:17:22 GMT

The USGS is now publishing its 1:24k quadrangle topo maps in a georeferenced PDF format lacking much of the traditional data such as trails, roads, buildings, etc. This is especially for areas like National Parks or National Forests. At the same however, many of entities such as National Forests have shapefiles containing much of this information. Allowing import of georeferenced PDFs as rasters would allow users to create more complete maps.

Re: Import Geo PDF as Raster - Status changed to: Closed

ValeriaChavez — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:59:35 GMT

Hi @ChrisStarbird1,

ArcGIS Desktop is deprecated and will be retired March 1, 2026 so we won’t be considering this idea. We recommend that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro, our fully supported desktop GIS application. See Keep Innovating with GIS for more information.

In ArcGIS Pro, the workflow you describe can be achieved using the PDF to TIFF tool.

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 Pro.