Migrating to ArcGIS Pro
Why migrate to ArcGIS Pro?
ArcGIS Pro is the premier tool for GIS professionals. It offers modern map authoring, advanced analysis, data visualization, extensibility, and complete integration with the ArcGIS system - allowing you to work faster and more efficiently. While its predecessor, ArcMap, will continue to be supported until March 2026, guidance is on hand to help you begin your migration journey.
Migration journey
The possibilities of ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Pro’s capabilities go beyond what is achievable in ArcMap. ArcGIS Pro contains all of ArcMap’s major functionality, allowing for most workflows to be achieved in Pro exclusively. A few tools are not available and you can find out more here.
Why not check out the ArcGIS Pro roadmap for a sneak peek of what we are focusing on now and for long-term ArcGIS Pro development.
Check system requirements
Before beginning your journey with ArcGIS Pro, the first step is to ensure your systems will be able to run Pro smoothly. You can find ArcGIS Pro’s full system requirements here.
Plan your migration
The next step is to plan your migration. For individuals, this should be straightforward. For large organizations, a structured plan is key to the success of your migration.
You may want to consider our two-day instructor-led course, specifically designed for users migrating from ArcMap to Pro.
View additional resources.
We also offer consulting services to help with your migration.
Should you need additional assistance with planning your migration, please feel free to contact us.
Download ArcGIS Pro
Once you have checked your system requirements and planned your migration, you are ready to download Pro!
You can find a step-by-step guide for downloading Pro here.
Licensing
There are a few different ways to license ArcGIS Pro, depending on how you purchase the product. These options are described in the ArcGIS Pro licensing documentation. The recommended licensing option is called Named Users, managed through your ArcGIS Online organization or ArcGIS Enterprise portal. This licensing model provides a single identity to each of your users, unlocking capabilities tailored to their needs across the ArcGIS system.
Getting started with Pro
Moving from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro can feel like a big jump! While some parts of the interface (like Ribbons) are slightly different, others (like Geoprocessing tools) will be very familiar. It may take some time to adapt. We recommend checking out this guide when working with Pro for the first time. Additional resources to help get you working like a Pro can be discovered here.
This terminology guide can also help new Pro users get to grips with some new terms.
Any questions?
Find answers to some of the most common questions on migrating to ArcGIS Pro in our FAQs. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please get in touch, we are here to help.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ArcMap is nearing the end of its product lifecycle. The current and last release of ArcMap is version 10.8.2. It will be retired in March 2026.
ArcGIS Pro has unique capabilities and new ways of getting work done that are not available in ArcMap, such as:
- Project-based workflows
- Combined 3D/2D visualization
- Task-based work automation
- Vector tile creation
- 64-bit support
- Multiple display and map layout support
ArcGIS Pro was built using the best aspects of ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcScene, and ArcGlobe, along with huge amounts of valuable input from the professional GIS community. New functionality is added to ArcGIS Pro with every release. See what's new.
Yes. Esri Canada has a personal-use option for full use of ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online for a very affordable price. Visit the ArcGIS for Personal Use page to take advantage of this amazing offer.
Yes. Esri Canada provides a number of training options for ArcGIS Pro. Visit the Esri Canada training catalogue to find the course that fits your needs.
Visit the learn.arcgis.com page for guided lessons or the Esri Canada Learning Pathways site for curated resources to help guide you on your learning journey.
Yes, we can help your organization migrate to ArcGIS Pro. Learn more about our consulting services.
10.8.2 will be the final release of ArcMap and is supported until March 01, 2026. Beyond this date, users will still be able to use ArcMap but the product will no longer receive bug fixes or be supported through Esri Technical Support.
No! If you have an ArcMap license currently in maintenance, then you are already entitled to use ArcGIS Pro.
Yes, you can import MXD’s, geoprocessing models and database/folder connections.
The functionality of ArcCatalog and ArcScene have been integrated within ArcGIS Pro so that everything can be accessed through a single interface. ArcCatalog and ArcScene have the same lifecycle as ArcMap (i.e., support ends in March 2026).
You can review the ArcGIS Pro documentation to see detailed system requirements to know if your machine can run ArcGIS Pro or not.
ArcGIS Pro is a ribbon-based application and as such, it will initially feel quite different for those familiar with ArcMap. However, nearly all the tools and workflows from ArcMap are available in ArcGIS Pro. This means there will be a slight learning curve with Pro but it shouldn’t take you long to get used to the new interface and workflows.
Ready to migrate to Pro?
If you're a member of an ArcGIS organization, contact your administrator.