How to create and share packages in ArcGIS Pro
Sharing packages with ArcGIS Pro allows you to easily package and share your GIS projects, maps, and data with others. By creating a package, you can consolidate all necessary components, including maps, layers data, and symbology, into a single file for distribution.
These packages can be shared directly with colleagues, published to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise for broader access.
Software requirement (s):
- ArcGIS Pro 3.2.x
Project, map, layer, and geoprocessing packages created with ArcGIS Pro can only be used in ArcGIS Pro. You can, however, open ArcMap .mpk and .mxd in ArcGIS Pro.
| Projects | ArcMap | ArcGIS Pro |
| Projects Packages | Not a native concept. Users typically work within a single map document (.mxd). | Primary organizational unit. Projects contain multiple maps, layouts, tools, and data connections. Ideal for sharing complete GIS projects with colleagues or collaborators, transferring projects between different computers, or archiving projects for future reference. |
| Map Packages | Bundle a single map document (.mxd) along with its associated layers into a single file (.mpk). | Serve a similar purpose but are created within the context of a project. Can include multiple maps, layouts, layers, symbology, data connections, and tools (.mpkx). Suitable for sharing specific maps with others, distributing standalone maps for analysis or visualization, or archiving maps for future use. |
Layer Packages |
Bundle individual layers along with their symbology, attributes, and metedata into a single file (.lpk or .lpkx). | Offer additional capabilities such as packaging multiple layers, group layers, and complex symbology (.lpkx). |
You can create multiple packages with ArcGIS Pro (see resources section below). In this tutorial we will focus on a few common ones:
- A project package (.ppkx) saves and shares a project along with its maps, data, styles, toolboxes, tasks, attachments, geoprocessing history, and connections.
- A map package (.mpkx) contains a map document (.mapx) and all the data referenced by the layers in it. Essentially, it's a collection of layer packages along with the map document.
- A layer package (.lpkx) includes both the layer properties and the dataset referenced by the layer. With a layer package, you can save and share everything about the layer—its symbolization, labeling, table properties, and data.
Scenario 1: You are working on a georeferencing project, and you would like to share it with one of your colleagues.
Choose a project package when you need to share or transfer an entire GIS project, including multiple maps, layouts, and associated data. This is useful for maintaining the structure and integrity of the project across different environments.
1 - Open your georeferencing project in ArcGIS Pro.
2 - Next click on the ribbon click the Share tab and locate the Package group.
3 - In the Package group click on Project.
4 - The Package Project pane opens. You need to populate the different fields.
5 - In the Start Packaging section, you have two options. Choose Save package to file first.
6 - In the Items details, under name, browse to where you would like to save your Package Project.
7 - If needed, you can add a Summary as well as Tags. These are usually more useful when you share your package online.
8 - If you are uploading your package to an online account, use the Folder menu to specify where the package will be stored in your portal content. The package is stored in the root of your content by default.
Optionally, click the Browse button to create a folder or choose an existing one. You can also type the name of the desired folder in the text box.
9 - The Share with option allows you to share with Everyone (your project will be made public and accessible to everyone) and/or your organization. You can also share it in a specific group inside your organization. Choose your sharing option.
10 - Once you are finished, click on Analyze at the bottom left.
The Analyze tool will identify any errors or bottlenecks in your package.
If no errors or warnings are identified, you can click on Package. It may take a few minutes.
11 - Now you can share your package via your OneDrive, Server, thumb drive, external hard drive...To share your package via email, you can attach the package file like any other file attachment. Simply locate the package file on your computer, attach it to the email, and send it to the recipient.
Keep in mind that some email services have file size limitations, so if the package file is large (e.g. raster datasets), you may need to use a file-sharing service or compress it before sending it via email. You can also share its OneDrive location as a link in your email.
Scenario 2: You would like to share the same project between colleagues in a work group, across departments in your organization, or with any other ArcGIS users through ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise.
12 - If needed open your project in ArcGIS Pro and follow steps 1-3.
13 - In the Package Project window and in the Start Packaging section select Upload package to Online account. You can change the name or any other useful information. The Summary and Tags are more useful when you share content in ArcGIS Online.
14 - For the Location, choose your ArcGIS Online folder. If you do not see it, you may have to sign in into ArcGIS online (top right of your ArcGIS Pro window).
If you are uploading your package to an online account, use the Folder menu to specify where the package will be stored in your portal content. The package is stored in the root of your content by default.
15 - The Share with option allows you to share with Everyone (your project will be made public and accessible to everyone) and/or your organization. You can also share it in a specific group inside your organization. Choose your sharing option and click Analyze.
16 - If no errors or warnings are identified, click Package.
One notable feature of the packaging process is the ability to include messages and/or attachments with your package. This means that any supplementary files, such as documents, images, or spreadsheets, that are linked to your project can be automatically included in the package.
You can now see that your project was successfully shared in your Organization's ArcGIS Online content.
Scenario 3: You are working on a map showing the locations of a few indigenous communities impacted by sea level rise. You would like to share your map as a map package with a colleague.
Choose a map package when you want to share or distribute a standalone map along with its associated data layers and symbology. This is helpful for sharing individual maps for analysis, visualization, or collaboration without the need for the entire project context.
17 - Open the map that you would like to share as a map package. The example below displays one point feature class representing a few locations affected by Sea Level rise, and a layout named 'Locations'.
18 - Next click on the ribbon click the Share tab and locate the Package group.
19 - In the Package group click Layer.
20 - Select the layer (s) you want to package. if you don't, the Layer package option will not be enabled.
21 - The Package Layers pane opens.
22 - Choose your Packaging option. You can upload your package to be shared Online (ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise...) or as a file.
23 - Add Summary and Tags as needed.
You can enter a maximum of 128 tags.
24 - Enable the appropriate option (s).
- Checking the Include Enterprise and UNC Path Data check box ensures that data from enterprises databases, Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path folders, and feature services are copied to file geodatabases within the package. This means that all data required by the layer will be included in the package itself, making it self-contained and independent of external data sources. If this option is not checked, the layers will continue to reference the original data sources, such as the enterprise geodatabase and UNC data. In this case, the package will rely on accessing the data from these external sources, which may require connectivity and permissions to access them during use.
- The option Package Schema only allows you to include only the schema (structure) of the data in your package, without including the actual data records. If you were to choose this option, when you add the package layer to your map in ArcGIS Pro, it would display the schema of the data, including the names and types of fields, but without any actual data. This can be useful if you want to share the structure of your data with others without providing the actual data itself. It can also be helpful for documenting and understanding the data structure before importing the full dataset.
25 - If you are uploading your package to an online account, use the Folder menu to specify where the package will be stored in your portal content. The package is stored in the root of your content by default.
Optionally, click the Browse button to create a folder or choose an existing one. You can also type the name of the desired folder in the text box.
26 - The Share with option allows you to share with Everyone (your project will be made public and accessible to everyone) and/or your organization. You can also share it in a specific group inside your organization. Choose your sharing option and click on Analyze.
27 - If no errors or warnings are identified, you can click on Package.
We hope that this article has been helpful! If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to send us an email or connect with us for a chat. The NTGISC team is here to assist you further!
Resource(s)
https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/sharing/overview/introduction-to-sharing-packages.htm