Overview
Starting with ArcGIS Pro 3.6 and ArcGIS Enterprise 12.0, Esri has consolidated ArcGIS Defense Mapping and ArcGIS Production Mapping into a single extension: ArcGIS Topographic Mapping.
This change simplifies licensing, reduces product overlap, and delivers a unified topographic production experience for both defense and civilian mapping authorities. All core functionality from the previous extensions is preserved and continue to be supported under the new extension.
This document explains what is changing, what is not changing, and what users need to know when upgrading to Pro 3.6/Enterprise 12.0 or later.
What changed
- ArcGIS Defense Mapping and ArcGIS Production Mapping are no longer offered as separate extensions starting with ArcGIS Pro 3.6 and ArcGIS Enterprise 12.0.
- Their combined functionality is now delivered through a single extension: ArcGIS Topographic Mapping.
- Users work with one extension instead of managing multiple overlapping products.
- The new name removes “Defense” from the product’s name.
- The new product name supports organizations with procurement or naming restrictions while still reflecting broader use across civilian and defense mapping authorities.
- The extension continues to support both civilian and non‑civilian production requirements.
Licensing Updates
Licensing has been simplified to reduce complexity and improve clarity.
Previously:
- ArcGIS Production Mapping included multiple license features:
- Production Mapping
- ArcGIS Data Reviewer
- ArcGIS Workflow Manager
- ArcGIS Defense Mapping included Defense Mapping plus additional license features:
- Defense Mapping
- Production Mapping
- Data Reviewer
- Workflow Manager
Now:
- Only an ArcGIS Topographic Mapping license is required and delivered for your topographic production workflows.
- ArcGIS Data Reviewer and ArcGIS Workflow Manager* for ArcGIS Pro are included with the Professional Plus user type.
- Separate Defense Mapping or Production Mapping licenses are no longer used.
This streamlined model reduces the number of licenses to manage and aligns capabilities under a single extension.
*ArcGIS Workflow Manager for ArcGIS Pro requires ArcGIS Workflow Manager for ArcGIS Enterprise capability server or ArcGIS Workflow Manager for ArcGIS Online organizational extension.
Workflow Modernization
- Topographic production workflows for data collection, editing, quality control, and cartographic production now use service‑based ArcGIS Workflow Manager.
- Legacy workflows built on Workflow Manager (Classic) are being phased out.
- The Topographic Production Manager (TPM) web app provides a modern interface for managing production work. It replaces the older Production Manager application.
What Is Not Changing
Core Capabilities
All major capabilities remain available, including:
- Specification‑driven data production
- Automated generalization
- Cartographic map production
- Data validation and quality control
- Production management and workflow support
No functionality has been removed as part of this consolidation.
Supported Data Models and Products
- Existing supported schemas and product types (such as TDS, MGCP, JOG, TPC, ONC, and others) continue to be supported.
- Product data files, rule files, and map templates remain available and are updated to align with industry specifications.
Existing Projects and Data
- Existing ArcGIS Pro projects, maps, layouts, and geodatabases continue to work when opened in ArcGIS Pro 3.6.
- No data migration is required as a result of this change.
Recommended Next Steps
- Review your current ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise versions.
- Ensure ArcGIS Topographic Mapping licenses are assigned to appropriate users.
- Plan a transition from Workflow Manager (Classic) to service‑based workflows if applicable.
- Update internal documentation and training materials to reference ArcGIS Topographic Mapping.
FAQs
Do I need to migrate my data?
No. Existing data, schemas, and map products remain fully supported. The consolidation affects licensing and product packaging, not your data.
Will I lose any functionality?
No. ArcGIS Topographic Mapping includes the full set of capabilities previously available in ArcGIS Defense Mapping and ArcGIS Production Mapping.
Do my existing workflows still work?
Workflows built using Workflow Manager (Classic) are deprecated. While existing workflows are not immediately removed, Esri recommends transitioning to service based ArcGIS Workflow Manager workflows for long-term support.
Is ArcGIS Topographic Mapping only for defense users?
No. ArcGIS Topographic Mapping is designed for national, civilian, and defense mapping authorities, as well as contractors. It supports both civilian and non civilian production workflows.
Which versions does this apply to?
This consolidation applies starting with:
- ArcGIS Pro 3.6
- ArcGIS Enterprise 12.0
Earlier versions continue to use ArcGIS Defense Mapping and ArcGIS Production Mapping as separate extensions.
