Any GIS system is only as good as the data that's in it. ArcGIS provides a complete set of tools that give you the flexibility to store, edit, and manage data in a way that fits with your existing processes.
ArcGIS allows you to access, use, and store GIS data using the method that fits and optimizes your existing workflows.
ArcGIS supports many data formats, such as shapefiles, file geodatabases, tables/spreadsheets, CAD, and rasters. A file geodatabase provides structural, performance, and data management advantages over other formats. Esri File Geodatabase API allows you to interact directly with the stored data.
ArcGIS can make direct connections to various relational database management systems (RDBMS) and big data databases.
A geodatabase stores GIS data in a central location for easy access and management. It can be leveraged in desktop, server, or mobile environments. It sits on top of an RDBMS, such as SQL Server, Oracle, or PostgreSQL, and supports all types of GIS data.
You can store data in the Esri cloud with ArcGIS Online or in your own personal cloud infrastructure. ArcGIS can be deployed on the Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, IBM SoftLayer, and VCE cloud platforms.
Use ArcGIS to compile and manage geographic data layers that power your GIS. ArcGIS provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools and workflows.
ArcGIS allows you to compile and manage multiple GIS layers using comprehensive editing tools and workflows.
Establish an enterprise-caliber, multiuser editing environment with the geodatabase. The geodatabase uses versioning, replication, and archiving to provide seamless, organization-wide editing and use of geospatial data.
ArcGIS helps you take control of big data so it can be analyzed and visualized from a geographic perspective. It brings together not only massive volumes of data but also data of disparate types.
ArcGIS integrates with data stored in your existing business systems to extend their analytical capabilities. ArcGIS enhances your business intelligence, collaboration, productivity, and customer relationship management systems.
Explore Esri's solutions for popular business systems.
ArcGIS maintains your data integrity and simplifies data management when the data is stored in a geodatabase. You can define relationships, such as networks and topologies, between your datasets and set rules, such as domains and subtypes, for individual datasets.
Metadata describes the content, quality, origin, and other characteristics of data. It's data about data. Complete and accurate metadata is required to have reliable, quality data. ArcGIS supports custom and standard metadata profiles, including FGDC, ISO, INSPIRE, and Dublin Core.
Learn about support for metadata styles and standards in ArcGIS.
Use Esri Geoportal Server to catalog, edit, and manage your metadata.
ArcGIS is designed to support your organization's specific security requirements and gives you flexibility and control over how your GIS platform is deployed, maintained, secured, and used.
Learn more about ArcGIS security compliance.