ArcGIS - Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a student version of ArcGIS?
How do I purchase Esri ArcGIS?
How do I start using ArcGIS?
I installed ArcGIS but Spatial Analyst isn't showing up. What should I do?
How do I obtain ArcGIS Server or ArcPad?
What are ArcPad and ArcPad App Builder?
Where can I get training for ArcGIS?
What is ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud, and how do I get it?
Who do I contact for ArcGIS support?

Who is eligible to purchase ESRI ArcGIS?

This software is licensed by the University of Pennsylvania and is restricted to Institutional use only by Penn faculty and staff, as well as faculty and staff of Penn Medicine, for Penn-related academic or administrative use or for Penn-related academic research on a Penn-owned computer. 
 

Is there a student version of ArcGIS? 

Professors using ArcGIS in their classroom may arrange for trial versions for students in their classes. Additionally, students may purchase educationally discounted full versions of ArcGIS Advanced on the Esri website.


How do I purchase ESRI ArcGIS?

OSL has developed a new Kivuto Licensing Portal that allows for orders to be placed for this and most other software titles, allowing payment via BEN budget code. Please visit the How to Order page for directions.

Note: Customers agree to use Esri Offerings provided under an educational program for one of two use cases - Teaching/Instruction & Research or Administrative Use.

“Teaching/Instruction & Research" use is solely for educational purposes during the educational use Term.

“Administrative Use” means administrative activities that are not directly related to instruction or education, such as asset mapping, facilities management, demographic analysis, routing, campus safety, and accessibility analysis.

When ordering your software, please select the appropriate use case for your purchase.
 

How do I start using ArcGIS?

After you purchase ArcGIS, instructions on how to download and install the software will be provided on the Kivuto Website. Those instructions are reprinted below for your convenience:

1. Log into your ArcGIS Account: If you are a new user you will receive an email from Esri inviting you to create an account and obtain an Esri login. New users, and returning users wishing to update to the latest version, go to the MyEsri website to download your software. Users who do not wish to upgrade their software may skip to step 3.
2. Download ArcGIS Desktop: Next, click your name in the upper-right-hand corner. Go to the "My Organizations" tab and click "Downloads" from the menu bar. Click the "View Download" button next to the latest version of ArcGIS Desktop. (Note: do not choose “ArcGIS Pro”). Download and install ArcGiS Desktop.
3. Download the license file: Once you've downloaded the software, both new users and returning users should click the green button below to download the ArcGIS license authorization file. Unzip the file and save it to your machine.
4. Activate ArcGIS Desktop: Launch the Software Authorization Wizard by clicking "Authorize Now" in the ArcGIS Administrator for ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Engine, or the License Server Administrator for License Manager installations. For ArcGIS Server products, select "Authorize" in the respective post-installer.

• Select the option "I have received an authorization file from Esri and am now ready to finish the authorization process."
• Browse to the saved license file.
• Select "Authorize with Esri now over the Internet." Select the website or email option if your machine does not have an Internet connection.
• Review the pre-populated authorization information and enter any additional information necessary, then answer the user demographic questions on the next page.
• On the next panel, the Software Authorization page, you will see the authorization number for the core product. Click Next to get to the Authorize Software Extensions panel.
• Make sure "I have authorization number(s) to authorize one or more extensions" is selected, and click Next. (Note that the University's license for ArcGIS Advanced includes all available extensions.)
• One the next page, Evaluate Software Extensions, click Next.
• Click “Finish” to complete the authorization process.

If you have difficulty with the authorization process, please visit the Esri Customer Care website.
 

I installed ArcGIS but Spatial Analyst isn't showing up. What should I do?

Launch "ArcMap". Go to Customize ->Extensions. Then check the extensions that you have authorized and close it.


How do I obtain ArcGIS Server or ArcPad?

All ArcGIS licensed products are available through your ESRI login. Please contact our office to request a provisioning file.


What are ArcPad and ArcPad App Builder?

ArcPad is mobile field mapping and data collection software designed for GIS users. It includes advanced GIS and GPS capabilities for capturing, editing, and displaying geographic information. ArcPad is available at no additional charge by download from your Esri login. More information can be found at the ArcPad Help Library.


Where can I get training for ArcGIS?

Esri has introduced a new class readiness tool for their instructor-led courses. The readiness tool returns qualitative results to help you determine if a class is a good match for existing skills and will provide you with a list of relevant e-Learning resources to review before starting a class.
 

What is ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud, and how do I get it?

With ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud, creative professionals can access and design with data-driven maps inside Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The ArcGIS and Adobe® integration opens GIS up to an expanding group of design- and communications-focused users, who can now make direct use of spatial information. Cartographers can have the best of both worlds, too, since they can now work in Adobe and ArcGIS simultaneously. ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud allows design professionals to directly access fit-for-use GIS content from your ArcGIS platform. Enrich publicly available content with your own local data and create map artwork that stands out with your branding information.
 
Users with an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription can sign-up with their email address, install, and use a complimentary version of ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud at no cost. Current ArcGIS Online Level 2 accounts have access to the full-version of the add-on.
 
You can find additional resources here, and there are also tutorials available on YouTube.
 

Who do I contact for ArcGIS support?

Under the site license agreement, OSL is a technical support liaison. For support, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a short description of the issue, and we will contact Support on your behalf. If you have general questions or need updates, please see the the ArcGis Online Help page.

You can also download the Esri Support App for iOS and Android.