Summary
This article describes how to install ArcGIS, using ArcGIS, how to get assistance with the application, and how to uninstall.
Background
Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire share a site license for ArcGIS and other products from ESRI. These instructions are primarily intended for students who need access to the ArcGIS software, but they may also be used by faculty or staff who have basic needs.
There are three core ArcGIS products that students may use: ArcGIS Desktop (aka ArcMap), ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online.
Licensing
Because ArcGIS Desktop must check out a license from the license server each time it runs, you must be either on the Plymouth or UNH campus on a wired Ethernet connection or using the eduroam wireless network, or you must be connected to the USNH VPN service if using the software from off campus.
If you need to be able to use ArcGIS Desktop without connecting to the VPN or being on the UNH or Plymouth campus networks, you can request a license file from UNH. License files allow you to use the ArcGIS software without being connected to the networks. Licenses must be renewed each year and you must be a current Faculty, Staff or Student at UNH or PSU.
Licenses can be requested to run ArcGIS products by going to RCC Support and clicking on “Request Service”. When making the service request, please select “Application Support” as the Request Type and “Esri/ArcGIS” as the Request Subtype.
ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro
The instructions below are for current PSU/UNH students or faculty/staff who would like to install ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro on their own computers, using a central licensing server, instead of requesting your own personal license.
The instructions below apply to both Plymouth and UNH users with the exception that in cases that talk about the license servers, PSU students and staff should use the Plymouth option listed whereas UNH students and staff should use the UNH option.
System Requirements
Your computer meet the following requirements to use ArcGIS Desktop:
- Windows 10 or newer; Windows Server 2012 or newer
- 4 GB RAM, 8 GB RAM recommended
- 6 GB available hard disk space
Your computer meet the following requirements to use ArcGIS Pro:
- Windows 10 or newer; Windows Server 2012 or newer
- 4 G RAM, 8 G RAM recommended
- 32 G available hard disk space
- Microsoft Desktop Runtime v6.0 or higher, download here: Desktop Runtime
Because ArcGIS Desktop must check out a license from the license server each time it runs, you must be either on the Plymouth or UNH campus on a wired Ethernet connection or using the eduroam wireless network, or you must be connected to the USNH VPN service if using the software from off campus.
Installation
To obtain and install the software:
Step 1 - Confirm that you are logged in to the USNH VPN service if you are off campus, or that you are on a wired Ethernet connection or the campus eduroam wireless network.
Step 2 - You can download all of the available ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro version and more - UNH Arc GIS Licenses. This lists all of the different versions of ArcGIS Desktop along with many other programs from ESRI.
Step 3 - Find and download your appropriate software title and version, based on what is needed for your course and/or which version your professor requires
Step 4 - Double-click on the executable file. This will expand the compressed archive. Accept the default location to expand to
Step 5 - When done expanding, click Close. The setup.exe program should start automatically. If not, look in the ArcGIS folder in your Documents folder for the setup.exe installer.
Step 6 - Proceed through the installer, accepting the license agreement and the default options. You may opt out of the ESRI user experience program. Installation will take several minutes due to the large size of ArcGIS.
Step 7 - Click Finish when the installer completes.
Step 8 - The ArcGIS Administrator Wizard will launch. Leave the settings in section 1 as Advanced (ArcInfo) Concurrent Use. In section 2 of the screen, choose the option to Define a license manager now.
Step 9 - Enter academic.unh.edu as the name of the license server.
Step 10 - Click the OK button.
Step 11 - Click the OK button in the ArcGIS Adminsitrator window that opens.
Note: ArcGIS Pro can also be licensed and activated by using a Named User license. If you are a student using ArcGIS Pro in a course, your instructor may have setup ArcGIS Online accounts for you. In this case, you can use that username and password that you have setup to activate ArcGIS Pro. For more details, see the instructions provided by ESRI.
Using ArcGIS Desktop
Because ArcGIS Desktop must check out a license from the license server each time it runs, you must be either on the Plymouth or UNH campus on a wired Ethernet connection or using the eduroam wireless network, or you must be connected to the USNH VPN service if using the software from off campus.
Run ArcGIS Desktop using the shortcut items in the Windows Start Menu. The main program is named ArcMap.
Assistance With ArcGIS Desktop
If you require assistance using ArcGIS Desktop, you can get help from the following:
- The online Help built-in to ArcGIS Desktop is available via the Help menu
- The ESRI web site
Uninstalling ArcGIS Desktop
If you wish to remove ArcGIS from your computer, you may do so via the Windows Add/Remove Programs Control Panel.
Step 1 - Search on your computer for "Add or Remove Programs" and Open it
Step 2 - Find the ArcGIS item
Step 3 - Click the three-dot ellipsis and choose Uninstall or click the Remove button, if available
ArcGIS Online
The online version is a cloud-hosted GIS software. You can use this version online or you can download it to your computer (Windows only). To download it to your computer please follow the instructions below:
Step 1 - Log in to ArcGis:
Step 2 - Click on your name in upper right
Step 3 - Click My Settings
Step 4 - Click Licenses on the left
Step 5 - Click download next to ArcGis Pro
Step 6 - Save file and follow prompts - https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/install-and-sign-in-to-arcgis-pro.htm
- The UNH domain is: myunh.maps.arcgis.com
Assistance With ArcGIS Online
If you require assistance using ArcGIS Online, you can get help from the following:
- The Help built-in to ArcGIS Online available via the Help menu
- The ESRI web site
Need Additional Help?
For additional training, please visit the Teaching & Learning Technologies Training site or contact the ET&S Help Desk team on your local campus.