ArcGIS Publisher: Packaging Map Projects for Secure Sharing

ArcGIS Publisher is an extension for ArcGIS Pro whose main function is to package map projects into a single interactive, standalone file that anyone can share and use through a free app called ArcGIS Reader.

Think of it as a way to create a “smart PDF” for maps. Instead of a static image file, you create a data package (.ppkx) that recipients can open, zoom in and out, turn data layers on and off, and query feature information, all without an ArcGIS Pro license and without an internet connection.

Technical Capabilities and Practical Applications

The workflow with Publisher is simple and focuses on sharing safely and efficiently.

1. Packaging a Project

Publisher’s core function is to convert an ArcGIS Pro project (.aprx) into a Publisher Map File (.ppkx).

• Technical capabilities:
  • Create Publisher Package: A single geoprocessing tool that lets you select a map project and package all the required components into one .ppkx file.
  • Package contents: A .ppkx file contains:
    • The designed maps and layouts.
    • All the data used in the maps (the data is extracted and packaged along with it).
    • Symbology, labels, and display settings.
  • Setting Permissions: This is an important feature. Before packaging, you can set security options:
    • Password: Require users to enter a password to open the .ppkx file.
    • Expiration date: Automatically lock the file so it cannot be opened after a certain date.
• Practical application:
  • Protecting intellectual property: A data consulting company sells its proprietary demographic dataset. Instead of sending shapefiles, it packages the data into a .ppkx file with a password and an expiration date. This ensures that only paying customers can access the data, and only for the agreed period.

2. Using ArcGIS Reader

The .ppkx file created by Publisher is designed for use with ArcGIS Reader, a free app that anyone can download from Esri.

• Technical capabilities:
  • ArcGIS Reader: A lightweight map viewer. ArcGIS Reader users can:
    • Open .ppkx files.
    • Zoom in, zoom out, and pan the map.
    • Turn data layers on and off.
    • Use the Identify tool to click a feature and view its attribute information.
    • Measure distances and areas.
    • Print maps.
  • Limitations: ArcGIS Reader users cannot:
    • Edit data or symbology.
    • Add new data to the map.
    • Save changes back to the .ppkx file.
    • Use analysis tools.
• Practical application:
  • Sharing planning data with the public: An urban planning department wants public feedback on a new urban renewal project. It creates a detailed .ppkx file of the project and posts it on the city website. Residents can download ArcGIS Reader for free, open the planning map, explore the project components on their own, and view details of each affected land parcel without accidentally changing the original data.

3. Common Usage Scenarios

Thanks to the combination of secure packaging and a free viewing app, Publisher is useful in many situations.

A. Providing data to field staff (Field Operations)

• Problem: The technical crews of a power company need access to detailed maps of the power network when they are out in the field, including places with no internet connection. Equipping every employee with an ArcGIS Pro license is too expensive.
• Solution: A GIS specialist uses Publisher to package the power network map for each area into .ppkx files. The crews install ArcGIS Reader on their tablets and can open these maps to view detailed information on poles, lines, and substations completely offline.

B. Collaborating with non-GIS departments (Internal Collaboration)

• Problem: The sales department of a retail company needs to view market share and sales territory analysis maps created by the GIS department. They want to be able to run basic queries on the data themselves (for example, the sales of a specific store) but do not need complex analysis tools.
• Solution: The GIS department periodically exports the analysis maps as .ppkx files and sends them to the sales department. Sales managers can explore the data interactively on the map on their own, helping them make better decisions without constantly asking the GIS department to extract information.

C. Distributing maps for education or conferences

• Problem: A researcher wants to share climate change analysis results at a scientific conference. They want attendees to be able to interact with the map rather than just view a static slide.
• Solution: The researcher packages their map and data into a .ppkx file and lets attendees download it. This creates a much more engaging and memorable experience than a conventional presentation.

Conclusion

ArcGIS Publisher is a simple but highly effective tool that solves the problem of sharing GIS data securely and widely. It is the ideal bridge between GIS professionals, who create information, and a large base of end users, who only need to consume and interact with that information without complex tools or expensive license costs.