Just today the ArcGIS mobile app for iPhone became available for free download from the iTunes store… enjoy, I’m sure we’ll hear and see loads about this at the esric. Users are treated to a friendly, simply UI and the collection of popular and suggested maps and web services is totally awesome, making it simple to grab a pre-configured map of many areas, you can even make your own make using a variety of base maps including Microsoft Bing or OpenStreetMap (OSM). To get the free app simply visit the Apple iTunes store, search arcgis and download.
Like I said, using the app is simple, although I do seem to be able to generate spontaneous crashes at will, typically by hitting the locate me button when zoomed out to full scale. The heart of the app is likely the suggested maps and services. Using the “find maps” icon will present the user with a number of options including the ability to browse and load your favorites (create bookmarks of your faves as you find them), some featured content (like pre-defined maps of San Diego for the UC, maps of New York, Redlands, CA, and oils spill projection maps), there’s also lists of popular and highest rated maps. Using wanting to “do GIS” will have to wait although I’m willing to bet that a cool, pro version would provide the capabilities for mobile data capture and some analysis. Currently users can measure and identify features on a map. The favorites are stacked with very cool maps using a variety of base map data from a wide range of sources. Perhaps the coolest thing about ArcGIS for iPhone though is the ability to connect to ArcGIS servers and sign in to ArcGIS online using your account… wow. There’s no doubt that ArcGIS mobile will be very sweet on iPhone 4 with the high resolution screen and I can only imagine using this on iPad… SWEEET! Stay tuned for more.
