GeoPDF support in ArcGIS Field Maps

[AlexWeston]

ArcMap Desktop and ArcGIS Pro can export GeoPDFs but they are not supported in Esri mobile apps i.e. ArcGIS Field Maps.  This makes no sense given that GeoPDFs are widely accepted in non-Esri GIS mapping mobile apps.

There are limitations with PDFs because spatial information is simplified to an image with a fixed resolution and cant be queried etc.  However, GeoPDFs are small in file size, easy to generate and circulate to non-technical users that require a simple locality map for offline navigation.

Esri equivalents or workarounds are difficult to implement:  i.e. TPK files (Tile Packages) are to too time consuming to generate.  https://support.esri.com/en/technical-article/000021054 - This technical article explains the process of converting a PDF to GeoTiff, then generating a tile package.  The problem with this process is that you end up with a file which is significantly larger than the original PDF file.

Another alternative is to use a MMPK (Mobile Map Package) but these files can end up being extremely large in size and are difficult to share via email.  You can share MMPK files via Portal but this requires user training, download instructions and Portal access (Unless you tick the 'Enable anonymous use' during mmpk file generation, but this requires the Publisher extension $). 

Please vote for this idea if you would like to help expand GeoPDF support across ArcGIS Field Maps and the Esri ArcGIS technology stack.

[ChristopherDalu]

Great comment!!!!

This is something that ESRI has missed the boat on for many years, and I do not understand what their deal is.  For anyone that brings data out to the field, such as archaeological sites, aerial imagery, quadrangles,,,and other reference data previously collected, ESRI is not providing solutions that are simple and quick.

I can export a GeoPDF from Pro, and load it into Avenza, and do my work without being  connected online in the field.  Simplicity.  And it is effective.
Why ESRI has I thought perhaps Avenza had some kind of copyright, but I don't think that is the case.
When ArcPad was phasing out, I assumed ESRI had something up their sleeve that would be groundbreaking.  But instead, it was what seemed like various pilot ideas that were not really fully developed, and until ESRI comes through with something that is not time and disc consuming, and that does not require having an online connection when in the field, I will continue to prepare GeoTiffs using ESRI and loading it into Avenza when I do field work, if for nothing more than I can predict how long it will take to prep for the field.

[LindsayRaabe_FPCWA]

@SarahSaint-Ruth any timeframe on when we can expect to see it rolled out? Our org is looking to purchase Avenza licenses in addition to our Field Maps use for interagency fire response where other agencies use Avenza and geopdfs. 

[SarahSaint-Ruth]

Hi @LindsayRaabe_FPCWA ,

We’re aiming for the R1 2026 release, so around February. It’s currently in active development, and we plan to have a beta available for testing early next year.

You’ll be able to use GeoPDFs in two ways:

1. Download and open a GeoPDF as a new, on-device map.
2. Use a GeoPDF file as a referenced basemap for data capture.

Timelines are always subject to change, but this is what we’re targeting. We’d love to get your feedback on the implementation during beta!

[LindsayRaabe_FPCWA]

Awesome! I reckon the team might be willing to hold out for this. Def keen to try out the beta.