Deploying ArcGIS Enterprise on Azure: What Your Organization Needs to Know
More organizations are moving their ArcGIS Enterprise deployments to the cloud, and Microsoft Azure is one of the most common destinations — especially for government agencies and utilities that already have Azure subscriptions through enterprise agreements. But deploying ArcGIS Enterprise on Azure is not the same as installing it on a local server. The cloud […]
Understanding ArcGIS Enterprise Licensing: What You’re Actually Paying For
ArcGIS Enterprise licensing is one of the most common sources of confusion for organizations deploying or expanding their Esri infrastructure. The licensing model has evolved significantly over the years, and what was straightforward with ArcGIS Server 10.x is now a multi-layered system involving user types, server roles, extensions, and deployment patterns — each with its […]
Managing User Roles and Permissions in ArcGIS Enterprise — Best Practices for GIS Administrators
One of the most overlooked aspects of an ArcGIS Enterprise deployment is how user access is configured. Most organizations start with the default roles — Viewer, Data Editor, Publisher, Administrator — and never revisit them. The result is predictable: users with more access than they need, sensitive datasets exposed to the wrong teams, and no […]
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a GIS Consultant
Hiring a GIS consultant is a significant investment. The right partner accelerates your project, reduces risk, and delivers lasting value. The wrong one burns your budget, misses deadlines, and leaves you with a system nobody wants to use. These seven questions will help you separate real expertise from polished sales pitches. 1. Do You Specialize […]
The Real Cost of Bad Spatial Data — And How to Fix It
Bad spatial data does not announce itself. It hides in legacy databases, migrated spreadsheets, and inherited GIS projects until the day it causes a real problem: a utility crew digs in the wrong location, a zoning analysis returns flawed results, or a field team drives to coordinates that do not exist. By then, the cost […]
How to Build a GIS Data Governance Strategy That Actually Works
Data governance sounds like a corporate buzzword, but for organizations managing thousands of spatial datasets, it is the difference between a GIS that drives decisions and one that creates confusion. Without a clear strategy, your team ends up with duplicate layers, outdated parcel data, conflicting coordinate systems, and no clear answer to the question: which […]
ArcGIS Pro vs ArcGIS Online: Which One Does Your Organization Need?
One of the most common questions we hear from organizations evaluating Esri’s platform is: should we use ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online? The answer depends on your workflows, team size, data complexity, and how you plan to share your work. Here’s a practical breakdown to help you decide. What Is ArcGIS Pro? ArcGIS Pro is […]
Why Utilities Are Migrating to ArcGIS Utility Network — And What You Need to Know
If your utility organization still relies on Esri’s legacy geometric network, you’re not alone — but you’re running out of time. Esri has made it clear: the geometric network is being phased out in favor of the ArcGIS Utility Network, and the clock is ticking. Here’s what the migration means for your organization and why […]
5 Signs Your Organization Has Outgrown Spreadsheet-Based GIS Data Management
Many organizations start their GIS journey with spreadsheets. It makes sense — Excel is familiar, flexible, and already on every computer. But as your spatial data grows in volume and complexity, those spreadsheets quietly become a liability. Here are five signs it might be time to move beyond spreadsheets and invest in a proper GIS […]