ArcTools

ArcMap has a large number of individual tools and provides a great deal of functionality. Unfortunately, the GIS world is huge and there are many specific interests. One software package cannot possibility offer all the tools required.

Below is a summary of the features of ArcMap that may help you decide how it fits within your "Toolbox".

Data Support

• TINS: Triangulated Irregular Network. Important for hydrologic modeling and 3D rendering
• Vector: Point, Polyline, Polygons
• Topological: Through GeoDatabase (networks as well)
• Raster (limited for floating point and n-band)

Data Creation and Management

• File Conversion (limited, see FWTools)
• Digitizing
• Geocoding
• Defining and transforming SRSes (non-standard)
• Data Type Conversion: Limited

Analysis

• 3D Operations (minimal)
• Utility Networks (2d)
• Interpolation: IDW, Splines, Kriging (one version with bins)
• Image Classification: Limited
• Network Analysis
• Topography: line of sight
• Surface: Slope, aspect, view sheds
• Raster
  • Math
  • Density
  • Hydrology: Limited
  • Overlay
  • Neighborhood (zones) stats and operations
• Vector
  • Overlays
  • Distance measures
  • Stats

Visualization

• Final maps (moderate quality)
• 3D Visualization
• Limited animation

ArcGIS Pro (ArcPro)

Esri has announcded that ArcGIS Pro will eventually replace ArcMap. Key changes include:

• True support for 64-bit?
• New GUI (similar to Office 365)
  • Data view is now "Map"
  • Layout view is "Layout"
  • There is a "Project" tab
  • Favorites for Tools!
• Have to join ArcGIS Online to use it

ArcGIS Online (ArcOnline)

• Esri's web system.
• Story maps
• Online interactive maps
• Data storage that can be shared with other ArcGIS users