Migrating to ArcGIS Pro: The Ribbon Feel
One of the most striking differences between ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap is their user interface.
The user interface in ArcGIS Pro offers a more modern, intuitive, and streamlined experience. ArcMap relies on a traditional toolbar and menu system. where tools and functions are accessed through multiple, often cluttered, toolbars and dropdown menus.
In contrast, ArcGIS Pro employs a ribbon-based interface, similar to Microsoft Office applications, which organizes tools into logical groups and tabs, making them easier to find and use. This ribbon interface dynamically changes based on the context of the task at hand, presenting relevant tools and options. Additionally, ArcGIS Pro integrates a project-based workflow, where maps, layouts, and data connections are all managed within a single project file, enhancing organization and efficiency.
Software requirement(s):
- ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2
ArcGIS Pro software features a customizable contextual ribbon interface that updates contextually depending on what you are doing within the software. Clicking on a tab will cause the contextual interface to display tools that are specifically relevant to your project.
The Project Tab
The Project tab in ArcGIS Pro serves as the central hub for managing your GIS projects. Here, users can create new projects, open existing ones, and access project settings. It provides tools for organizing your work environment, including options to manage project templates, connect databases and servers, and configure default geodatabases and toolboxes. The project tab also offers access to system options for customizing the application's interface and performance settings, ensuring a tailored and efficient user experience.
The Map Tab
The Map tab is where users interact with their spatial data, creating and managing maps and scenes. This tab provides essential tools for navigation, such as zooming, panning, and rotating maps, as well as functions for adding layers, adjusting their visibility, and changing basemaps. The Map tab also includes tools for labelling, symbolizing features, and setting layer properties, making it the primary workspace for visualizing and exploring geographic information.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for copying, pasting and duplicating map elements. |
| 2 | Tools for panning, zooming, rotating the map, and managing bookmarks. |
| 3 | Tools for adding, removing and managing layers and basemaps to control their visibility and properties. |
| 4 | Tools for selecting features by location and attributes. |
| 5 | Tools for querying and examining map features. |
| 6 | Tools for creating and managing text labels to add descriptive information. |
| 7 | Tools for managing map data in offline environments for field data collection and access. |
The Insert tab
The Insert tab is dedicated to adding new elements to your maps and layouts. Users can insert maps, scenes, layouts, and various map frames, as well as text, graphics, and north arrows to enhance their presentations. This tab also includes options for inserting dynamic elements like charts and tables, allowing for a richer and more informative display of data. The Insert tab streamlines the process of building and customizing comprehensive map layouts and presentations.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for inserting maps, layouts, scenes, reports, notebooks, and toolboxes. |
| 2 | Tools for creating and managing knowledge graphs to visualize relationships. |
| 3 | Tools for adding pre-configured layer templates to your maps and scenes. |
| 4 | Tools for performing link analysis to understand connection between features. |
| 5 | Tools for inserting measurement elements like distance, area, and coordinates. |
| 6 | Tools for managing and applying different styles to map elements. |
| 7 | Tools for accessing and inserting frequently used elements quickly. |
The Analysis tab
The Analysis tab is the powerhouse for spatial analysis and geoprocessing. It provides access to a wide range of tools for performing spatial analysis, including tools for proximity, overlay, and surface analysis. Users can also manage and run geoprocessing models, scripts, and tools from toolboxes. The Analysis tab integrates advanced functions like raster analysis, network analysis, and spatial statistics, making it essential for conducting in-depth geographic analyses and deriving meaningful insights from spatial data.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for running geoprocessing tasks and accessing common analysis functions. |
| 2 | Tools for managing and running geoprocessing models, scripts, and toolboxes. |
| 3 | Tools for accessing and using analysis services from your ArcGIS Portal. |
| 4 | Tools for automating and managing complex spatial analysis workflows. |
| 5 | Tools for performing raster-based analysis and processing tasks. |
The View tab
The View tab is focused on managing and customizing the display of your workspace. It includes tools for arranging and navigating multiple views, such as map views (2D & 3D), layout views, and table views. Users can split views, link them, and synchronize their extents to compare different datasets side by side. The View tab also provides options for accessing bookmarks, creating custom views, and managing viewports, enhancing the ability to analyze and present data from various perspectives.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for managing and arranging different map and layout views. |
| 2 | Tools for linking views to synchronize navigation and extent. |
| 3 | Tools for opening and managing various panes and windows within the interface. |
| 4 | Tools for generating and managing thumbnails for project items. |
| 5 | Tools for adjusting display settings to improve accessibility. |
| 6 | Tools for creating and managing animations within your map and scenes. |
| 7 | Tools for incorporating and managing real-time device location data. |
| 8 | Tools for applying and adjusting visual effects on layers and features. |
| 9 | Tools for managing 3D scene properties and settings. |
| 10 | Tools for clipping views to focus on specific areas or features. |
| 11 | Tools for controlling the display and navigation within map and scenes views. |
The Edit tab
The Edit tab contains all the tools necessary for creating and modifying sptial data. Users can access tools for adding, editing, and deleting features, as well as tools for editing vertices, reshaping geometries, and modifying attributes. This tab also includes options for managing feature templates and applying topological rules to maintain data integrity. The Edit tab's comprehensive set of tools supports a wide range of data editing tasks, from simple updates to complex geospatial modifications.
Group |
Description |
| 1 | Tools for copying, pasting, and managing edits to features. |
| 2 | Tools for managing edits, topology and templates. |
| 3 | Tools for enabling and configuring snapping to ensure precise feature placement. |
| 4 | Tools for creating, modifying or deleting features. |
| 5 | Tools for selecting features for editing. |
| 6 | Edit tools (move, annotations, edit vertices, reshape, merge, and split) |
| 7 | Mode elevation. Used to set the elevation source for new features. |
| 8 | Ground to Grid Corrections tool to adjust Coordinate Geometry (COGO). |
| 9 | Data Reviewer. Detects errors and improves spatial data quality. |
The Imagery tab
The Imagery tab is designed for working with raster data and imagery. It offers tools for image enhancement, classification, and processing, including options for adjusting image display settings, applying raster functions, and performing image analysis. Users can also manage image collections and create mosaic datasets. The Imagery tab integrates powerful capabilities for analyzing and interpreting satellite imagery, aerial photos, and other raster datasets, making it a vital tool for remote sensing applications.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for creating and managing orthomosaics and digital elevation models. |
| 2 | Tools for aligning and rectifying imagery to improve spatial accuracy. |
| 3 | Tools for performing advanced image analysis and processing tasks. |
| 4 | Tools for Image Classification and deep learning. |
| 5 | Tools for measuring distances, areas, and feature dimensions within imagery. |
| 6 | Tools for accessing additional functions such as raster function and enhancements. |
| 7 | Tools for sharing imagery products and analysis results with others. |
| 8 | Tools for working with and analyzing video and motion imagery data. |
The Share tab
The Share tab provides tools for sharing your work with others. Users can publish maps, layers, and geoprocessing services to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise, create web maps and web layers, and package projects for sharing with colleagues. This tab also includes options for exporting maps and layouts to various formats, such as PDFs, images, and reports. The Share tab facilitates collaboration and dissemination of GIS data and analyses, ensuring your work reaches a broader audience.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for packaging maps, layers, and projects to share with others. |
| 2 | Tools for publishing maps, layers, and services to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise. |
| 3 | Tools for monitoring and managing the status of shared items and services. |
| 4 | Tools for managing shared items, including settings and permissions. |
| 5 | Tools for saving projects and items in different formats for sharing. |
| 6 | Tools for exporting maps and layouts to various formats like PDF, image files, and reports. |
The Help tab
The Help tab is the gateway for ArcGIS Pro's extensive support resources. It offers access to the comprehensive help documentation, tutorials, and guided workflows. User can search for specific topics, view help articles, and access online resources and forums for additional assistance. The Help tab also provides links to training materials and support services, making it an essential tool for both new and experienced users seeking to enhance their proficiency with ArcGIS Pro.
| Group | Description |
| 1 | Tools for customizing the ArcGIS Pro interface and settings to fit your needs. |
| 2 | Tools for accessing help documentation, tutorials, and guided workflows. |
| 3 | Tools for monitoring and optimizing the performance of ArcGIS Pro. |
| 4 | Tools for reaching out to support and providing feedback to ESRI. |
Missing ArcMap? You can customize the ArcGIS Pro ribbon by creating tabs and choosing which commands appear on them. You can also add new groups and commands to existing tabs.
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):
ArcGIS Pro Migration Guide: https://www.esri.com/content/dam/esrisites/en-us/media/pdf/implementation-guides/arcgis-pro-migration-guide.pdf
ArcGIS Pro Terminology Guide: https://www.esri.com/content/dam/esrisites/sitecore-archive/Files/Pdfs/library/brochures/pdfs/arcgis-pro-terminology-guide.pdf
ArcMap Continued Support: https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/arcmap-continued-support-000029721
ArcMap Frequently Asked Questions: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/arcmap-frequently-asked-questions.htm