Mastering Mobile GIS with Esri’s Latest Guide to the Rapidly Evolving Field
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the terms “mobile first” and the “post-PC era” aren’t just industry jargon—they’re the new norm. The Geographic Information System (GIS) sector has experienced a seismic shift due to the proliferation of mobile internet and mobile GIS technologies.
Recognizing this evolution, Esri, a global leader in location intelligence, has unveiled Getting to Know Mobile GIS, a comprehensive guide penned by Dr. Pinde Fu. This publication aims to equip both professionals and students with the knowledge to harness cutting-edge mobile GIS technologies effectively.
The Significance of Mobile GIS in Modern Enterprises
Mobile GIS technology has become indispensable across various industries, seamlessly integrating into enterprise systems. Its location-aware capabilities facilitate:
- Spatial Data Visualization – both online and offline, enabling real-time decision-making.
- Efficient Data Collection – streamlining field operations and reducing redundancies.
- Location Sharing – enhancing collaboration among teams dispersed across different geographies.
- Workforce Coordination – optimizing resource allocation and task management.
- Integration with Enterprise Workflows – ensuring data consistency and operational efficiency.
The book’s “no-code, low-code” approach demystifies complex processes, allowing readers to swiftly develop enterprise solutions without extensive programming knowledge.
Exploring Esri’s Suite of Mobile Technologies
Getting to Know Mobile GIS delves deep into Esri’s array of ArcGIS mobile technologies, including:
- ArcGIS Survey123 – a form-centric data collection app.
- ArcGIS Field Maps – combines mapping, data collection, and location tracking in a single app.
- ArcGIS QuickCapture – allows rapid data collection with a simple interface.
- ArcGIS Dashboards – provides real-time operational views of data.
- ArcGIS Experience Builder – enables the creation of custom web applications.
Beyond these, readers can enhance their skills by integrating technologies such as ArcGIS Arcade, webhooks, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the ArcGIS Maps SDKs. The book also ventures into emerging application areas like location-based services (LBS), volunteered geographic information (VGI), 3D mapping, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
About the Author: Dr. Pinde Fu
Dr. Pinde Fu leads the configuration team at Esri Professional Services and brings a wealth of experience to this publication. His previous works include Getting to Know Web GIS (Esri Press, 2022) and serving as the lead author of Web GIS: Principles and Applications (Esri Press, 2010).
His extensive background ensures that readers receive insights grounded in both theory and practical application.
Availability and Pricing
Getting to Know Mobile GIS is available in paperback (ISBN: 9781589488076) and as an ebook (ISBN: 9781589488083), each priced at US$79.99.
The book can be purchased from various online retailers worldwide. Retailers interested in stocking the book can contact Esri Press’s distributor, Ingram Publisher Services.
Esri’s Commitment to Geospatial Excellence
Established in 1969 in Redlands, California, Esri has cemented its position as a global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. Their solutions are deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities.
With a presence in over 100 countries across six continents, Esri’s dedication to pioneering geospatial technology and analytics remains unwavering.
Trends Shaping 2025 and Beyond
The GIS landscape is continually evolving, influenced by technological advancements and changing user needs. Several key trends are shaping the future of mobile GIS:
Integration of Artificial Intelligence
AI has become a transformative force in the GIS sector.
By automating complex tasks such as feature extraction and predictive analysis, AI enhances the efficiency and accuracy of geospatial data interpretation. For instance, AI can analyze historical and real-time traffic patterns to optimize urban transportation systems.
Advancements in 3D Cartography and Visualization
The incorporation of a third dimension into maps offers a more realistic representation of terrains and infrastructures.
This enhancement is particularly beneficial for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, providing stakeholders with immersive and interactive visualizations.
Proliferation of Location-Based Services
The demand for Location-Based Services continues to surge, driven by sectors like retail, logistics, and healthcare.
These services leverage geospatial data to offer personalized experiences, optimize supply chains, and improve customer engagement. For example, businesses use Location-Based Services for targeted marketing, while logistics companies rely on them for efficient route planning.
Integration with Business Intelligence
Merging GIS with Business Intelligence tools adds a spatial dimension to data analytics, enabling organizations to make location-aware decisions.
This integration facilitates sales analysis across regions, logistics route monitoring, and demographic studies, thereby enhancing strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Embracing Cloud Technologies
The adoption of cloud services for storing and processing geospatial data has revolutionized accessibility and collaboration.
Cloud platforms enable real-time data processing, allowing users to access large datasets from anywhere, thus fostering more dynamic and responsive GIS applications.
Empowering the Next Generation of GIS Professionals
With mobile GIS at the forefront of digital transformation, Getting to Know Mobile GIS is more than just a book—it’s a roadmap for professionals and students eager to navigate the evolving geospatial landscape.
By making sophisticated GIS technology more accessible, Esri is paving the way for smarter, more efficient, and more innovative applications of spatial intelligence in industries worldwide. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a newcomer, this guide ensures you’re equipped with the tools to leverage mobile GIS to its fullest potential.
