Create Your First Map with ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Pro is Esri's next-generation desktop GIS application, replacing ArcMap. With its modern interface, integrated 2D/3D workspace, and powerful geoprocessing infrastructure, it has become the industry standard for professional cartography and spatial analysis. In this guide, we will walk through every step from opening ArcGIS Pro for the first time to producing a professional map output.

To use ArcGIS Pro effectively, you need to understand a few core concepts: Project (.aprx), Map, Scene, Layer, and Layout. A project consolidates all components of your work — maps, data connections, toolboxes, and layouts — into a single file. This structure keeps your work organized and easy to share.

In this hands-on guide, you will create an ArcGIS Pro project from scratch, add geographic data, configure visualization settings, and produce a map output. You can follow along on your own computer.