Why do we need Arc Reader application ?

5493
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12-20-2017 08:37 PM
HaiMai
by
New Contributor II

ArcGIS Desktop contains  of the Arc Reader application. Do we need ArcReader app? Just curious, I use ArcMap everyday, never use ArcReader. 

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5 Replies
DanPatterson_Retired
MVP Emeritus

here is what it does http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcreader

if you don't need its functionality, carry on not using it

XanderBakker
Esri Esteemed Contributor

The workflow consists of publishing a map using the Publisher extension. Arc Reader is the free software that can read the portable map document published by publisher. Esri is moving away from this method of sharing content (maps) with different end users. Esri recommend implementing a system of collaboration and share the content using a portal. 

If you require to implement sharing content in a disconnected way you can use ArcGIS Pro to Create Mobile Map Package—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS Desktop and the instructions here Make offline maps—Explorer for ArcGIS | ArcGIS to consume the content using Explorer for ArcGIS | ArcGIS on your mobile device. 

ToddHelt
New Contributor III

Xander, 

Can you elaborate on current Esri recommendation for implementing a system of mobile collaboration and sharing content using a portal in a disconnected way? What is the future of ArcMap Publisher-to-ArcReader for disconnected scenario on mobile devices? and how close now (current 1.5 years since your above comment) is the ArcGIS Pro to MMPK content sharing in terms of symbology, map performance, file sizes in a disconnected scenario...when compared to ArcGIS Explorer with on device MMPK?

Thanks,
Todd

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XanderBakker
Esri Esteemed Contributor

If you just want to consult maps and perhaps use mark-up to report back inconsistencies found in the map, you should use Explorer for ArcGIS | ArcGIS. You can use it offline and in ArcGIS Pro you can create a mobile map package (https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/data-management/create-mobile-map-package.htm) that can be used offline with Explorer for ArcGIS:

Explorer for ArcGIS can be used to consume public maps, or maps that have been shared with you using your Level 1 Named User or the new User Type Viewer and you can share mark-up when you have a User Type Field Worker or higher (or Named User Level 2):

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AndyWells
Occasional Contributor II

We use it because we have a need for printing that can't currently be accomplished through ArcGIS Online. If I could set up a map template on ArcGIS Online (without needing ArcGIS Server) we'd probably quit using ArcReader.