Overview of Mobile GIS Applications Using Esri Technologies

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, mobile GIS applications have become indispensable for organizations that rely on field data. By bridging the gap between the field and office, the Mobile GIS applications empower teams to make accurate, real-time business decisions while improving collaboration and operational efficiency.

Esri, a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, offers a wide range of mobile GIS applications tailored to support field activities such as data collection, inspection, tracking and analysis.

Why Mobile GIS

Mobile GIS applications enable field personnel to capture, store, update, delete, manipulate, analyze and visualize geospatial data on the go. This reduces redundancy, streamlines workflows, and ensures that data is available in real time for more informed decision-making.

Organizations across industries face challenges such as:

Data inconsistency between field and office
Inefficient task assignments and progress tracking
Limited offline capabilities
Inadequate integration with external hardware

Esri addresses these challenges through three categories of mobile GIS solutions:

1. COTS-Based Mobile Applications

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) mobile applications from Esri provide ready-to-use tools for field operations. These apps are widely adopted across various industries due to their ease of deployment, rich functionality and seamless integration with the ArcGIS platform.

Key Applications:

ArcGIS Field Maps – A powerful map-centric app that supports field data collection, editing and real-time location tracking.
ArcGIS Survey123 – A form-centric solution ideal for collecting structured survey data via smartphones or tablets, with support for media, signatures and offline use.
ArcGIS Workforce – A mobile coordination tool designed to assign tasks, monitor progress and streamline communication among field workers using location intelligence.
ArcGIS QuickCapture – Rapid, single-tap data collection for high-speed field activities like road patrol, asset counting or inspections. Minimal interaction, ideal for use while walking or driving, captures photos/GPS in real-time.
Navigator for ArcGIS – GIS-based navigation app for turn-by-turn directions using custom road networks. Works offline, supports barriers/restrictions, integrates with Workforce and Field Maps.

Feature Comparison:

2. Configurable Mobile Applications

Using AppStudio for ArcGIS, organizations can build mobile apps with minimal coding by leveraging a suite of pre-designed templates. These apps can be configured from maps, scenes, or groups and offer a streamlined development process from design to deployment.

Key Benefits:

Cross-platform deployment (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux)
Rapid development with built-in testing and deployment tools
Custom branding and user experience with low-code/no-code development

3. Custom Mobile Applications

For organizations with unique workflows and requirements, Esri provides a variety of Software Development Kits (SDKs) that allow full customization of mobile apps from the ground up.

Available SDKs:

ArcGIS Runtime SDK for Android
ArcGIS Runtime SDK for iOS
ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET
ArcGIS Runtime SDK for Java
ArcGIS Runtime SDK for Qt

These SDKs provide complete control over the app’s features, user interface, data processing logic and integration with external systems and sensors

CONCLUSION

Mobile GIS applications powered by Esri technologies are revolutionizing the way organizations operate in the field. Whether you need a plug-and-play solution, a configurable app tailored to your needs, or a fully custom-built platform, Esri provides the tools to enhance field productivity, streamline operations and improve decision-making through location intelligence.

About the authors:

Nimisha Srivastava

Nimisha Srivastava is a Pre-Sales Consultant who is enthusiastic about the Geospatial field and has great communication skill. She has an year’s experience in the geospatial industry and is always eager to learn new things.