The latest release of the world’s leading Geographic Information System (GIS) software will transform the way the world uses spatial technology, according to one of the nation’s leading GIS strategists.

ArcGIS 10.1 – the new platform from world leading GIS software company Esri – will make it possible for users to share their maps, analysis and geographic information with anyone – via any web browser or smartphone.

Esri Australia Chief Technology Strategist Josh Venman said the vision behind ArcGIS 10.1 is sharing and collaboration – making it simpler than ever before to put mapping and geospatial analytics into the hands of those with little or no understanding of the technology.

“The release of ArcGIS 10.1 signals a major development in the way geographic information will be accessed and managed by users and their organisations in the years to come,” said Mr Venman.

“Traditionally, making maps with GIS technology has required the expertise of a technical specialist with considerable experience and skill – but all that changes at 10.1.

“Now, anyone can use ArcGIS to: find, use, create, and share maps; collaborate with others in groups and communities outside their organisation; deploy map-based applications with easy-to-configure templates; and create custom applications using a rich set of developer APIs.

“The authoritative data, maps and apps created by GIS professionals are now more valuable than ever before because these assets can be easily leveraged by other staff or the broader community - who may not have GIS skills, but recognise the value of using geographic content in their own work.”

Mr Venman said while the 10.1 release would see an influx of new users taking advantage of GIS, it would still deliver substantial benefits to its traditional GIS user base.

“By opening the door for anyone in an organisation to perform simple mapping tasks, ArcGIS 10.1 will significantly improve productivity and capacity within existing GIS departments,” he said.

“As more users start to realise the value of this capability, it will also raise the profile and role of the GIS professionals and departments within organisations.”

One of the fundamental changes introduced at ArcGIS 10.1 is an increased emphasis on the Cloud.

At 10.1 Esri’s cloud-based GIS platform, ArcGIS Online is a fully-integrated, easy-to-use portal for millions of GIS professionals around the world.

“With ArcGIS Online, organisations can also store and manage their maps, data, and other geospatial information, as well as access thousands of free maps, datasets, services, and tools,” said Mr Venman.

Another key focus of the release is usability, with a new 64-bit server architecture driving improvements in performance and scalability, as well as faster installation and configuration processes.

“Users will notice significant performance improvements for activities such as web editing, map caching, spatial analysis, finding addresses, and using imagery, said Mr Venman.

“For GIS professionals, these are enhancements that will enable them to work faster and smarter – while also improving their ability to transition to next-generation GIS concepts and platforms without jeopardising their current technology investments.”

As the key software release for Esri in 2012, ArcGIS 10.1 will be a core focus of Esri Australia’s Ozri 2012 conference, being held in Sydney in September.

Ozri, the Asia Pacific region’s leading GIS conference, will feature a variety of workshops, presentations and seminars dedicated to the new software release.