What is Esri?

An Esri software tool is a geoprocessing command in ArcGIS that performs specific tasks such as clip, split, erase, or buffer. These tools are essential for the manipulation and analysis of geospatial data within the ArcGIS environment.

Esri services, on the other hand, are web services that run on ArcGIS Server sites. They enable multiple users to access and interact with data concurrently. These services allow for the integration of various types of geospatial content, including maps, scenes, geoprocessing tools, geodatabases, and imagery into users' GIS products. ArcGIS Pro is often used to publish these web services.

With a broad array of geospatial services available, ArcGIS Server provides a platform that not only offers complete control over these services but also includes several options for security and authentication. Services can be configured to be private, for use within a secure organization, or public, accessible without authentication. Additionally, the ArcGIS Server REST API facilitates programmatic access to these services and their administrative controls, which can be utilized by many third-party products designed to work with ArcGIS Server services.

Esri Plugins for Excel

Creating Maps within Excel

ArcGIS for Excel is a powerful add-in for Microsoft 365 that enables users to create interactive maps directly within Excel. By incorporating both Excel spreadsheet data and ArcGIS data, users can craft detailed visualizations that enhance data analysis and presentation.

Adding Spatial Data to Maps

Users can add spatial information to their maps by plotting x,y points from an Excel spreadsheet. This allows for the visualization of geographic data points, such as potential customer locations, directly on the map for easier analysis.

Styling and Customization

The plugin provides options to style and customize map elements. This includes plotting and styling locations based on data attributes like revenue or language preference, which can be particularly useful in tailoring marketing strategies for a business.

Interactive Map Features

The interactive nature of the maps created with the ArcGIS for Excel add-in means users can pan and zoom to explore different regions and access detailed information through configurable pop-ups, enhancing the user's ability to understand and work with the mapped data.

Accessing ArcGIS Content

With an ArcGIS subscription, users can access a broader range of features and ArcGIS content, allowing for more comprehensive and powerful mapping capabilities within Excel. Even standard users without a subscription can still utilize map-enabled worksheets to a certain extent.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Creating and styling interactive maps in Excel using location data from a spreadsheet
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  Use case 2: Adding and analyzing geographic content from both Excel and ArcGIS to enhance business data
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  Use case 3: Sharing maps and spatial analysis results on ArcGIS Online directly from Excel
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  Use case 4: Utilizing functions for geocoding, geoenriching, and routing to enrich Excel data with spatial analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Esri plugin for Excel?

The Esri plugin for Excel is an add-in for Microsoft 365 that integrates ArcGIS mapping capabilities with Microsoft Excel, allowing users to create interactive maps using data from Excel and ArcGIS services.

What are the requirements to use the Esri plugin for Excel?

To use all features of ArcGIS for Excel, an ArcGIS user type must have privileges to create, analyze, and share content. An ArcGIS Publisher or Administrator role is required, and the plugin is compatible with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise.

Can Standard users without an ArcGIS subscription use the Esri plugin for Excel?

Yes, Standard users without an ArcGIS subscription can access a map-enabled worksheet, view and interact with public ArcGIS content, add x,y points from Excel to the map, and view pop-ups on the map. However, private layers and certain map tools are not available to Standard users without an ArcGIS subscription.

How do I resolve a '#busy!' error in the Esri plugin for Excel?

Clearing the Office cache or the web Add-Ins cache in Excel might be necessary to resolve the '#busy!' error, which can occur when using the getcoordinates function or if two app deployments were attempted.

How do I share maps created with the Esri plugin for Excel?

With the plugin, you can share maps on ArcGIS Online, which creates a web map that can be viewed by others. Users can set the map's title, tags, summary, and visibility to the public or within certain groups.