MalaGIS

Sharing GIS Technologies, Resources and News.

In the previous article, Loading the Geovis Earth Basemap in ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, and QGIS, I introduced the free Geovis Earth basemap service. Recently, some readers asked whether I could create a tutorial on loading imagery from Siwei Earth.

So I gave it a try — and yes, it technically works (using their free API). However, the imagery turned out to have major positional offsets, making it unsuitable for practical use. Still, the API extraction method itself is quite interesting, so let’s explore it.

PS: If you’re only looking for a usable basemap URL, you can skip this post. I’ve tested it — it doesn’t work properly.

Above: The loaded data shows significant offset issues.

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In the previous article, A Guide to Using Jilin-1 Satellite Imagery as a Basemap in ArcGIS Pro, I introduced the Jilin-1 basemap service as an alternative to China’s Tianditu maps for ArcGIS Pro users. Many readers asked whether there are other map sources available. Today, let’s look at another excellent basemap provider — Geovis Earth.

PS: I’ve actually mentioned Geovis Earth several times in earlier posts. Back then, with so many international basemap options, few paid attention. However, after ArcGIS Pro Services Blocked in China? Chinese Users Are in Trouble..., the number of stable and accessible basemap services in China has significantly decreased. In this context, Geovis Earth has become a great alternative.

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Many users have reported that after switching to the Tianditu basemap in the China region of ArcGIS Pro, some imagery appears unclear and there are limited style options. Well, given the particular nature of our industry and the strict requirements for data legality and compliance, if data confidentiality is a concern, it is strongly recommended not to use map sources outside the China region. So, are there any other Chinese map sources available? Of course, I found a basemap service with decent clarity: the Jilin-1 map source. It offers a free usage quota for individuals, and I highly recommend it.

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Following recent announcements from the Ministry of State Security and the service suspension of ArcGIS Pro basemaps, many users have suggested switching to QGIS. However, does using QGIS truly ensure security and compliance? After several days of research, this article attempts to explore this issue and welcomes further discussion.

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In the previous article "ArcGIS Pro Basemap Service Access Issues in China and Solutions", we discussed the unavailability of ArcGIS Pro basemap services within China. One of the suggested solutions was to wait for an official fix. Surprisingly, the ArcGIS Pro team acted swiftly. Just yesterday (2025-09-18), upon opening ArcGIS Pro, the basemap services were already functioning normally again.

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Early yesterday morning, our team received several messages in the Malagis GIS backend asking why the ArcGIS Pro basemap services couldn’t be loaded. I went to check it out and was quite puzzled—everything was working smoothly on my end without any issues. So, I posted about it on social media and found that most friends couldn’t access it either, with only a few reporting it was working. Some also shared solutions in the comments.

After seeing everyone’s workarounds, I realized my tool had been set to the default mode all along. After switching to direct mode, a big exclamation mark indeed appeared.

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Recently, many have asked why the China National Standard Map Service doesn’t offer SHP format downloads and whether EPS files can be converted to SHP format.

Regarding the first question, I don’t know the exact reason. Personally, I suspect it may relate to the unique coordinate system used by the standard map service (refer to "What Projection Coordinate System Does the National Standard Map Use?"). So, can we convert the currently provided EPS format maps to SHP?

The answer is: Yes, but it’s largely unnecessary.

I recently experimented with this process and documented the steps below for those interested.

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The latest ArcGIS Pro 3.5 installation packageis available, Our team has personally tested it and confirmed it works. The installation process is relatively straightforward.

What New Features Does ArcGIS Pro 3.5?

The main highlights include:

• Revolutionary 3D mesh analysis capabilities, opening new doors for BIM and detailed 3D model processing.
• Significant enhancements in image processing, particularly deep learning capabilities. Notably, the integration of the SAM model provides a powerful new approach for image segmentation.
• Practical updates for data import (GPX) and geoprocessing tools (such as building/contour simplification), improving daily workflow efficiency.
• Continuously improved cartography, data management, and sharing functionalities.

For detailed update information, please refer to the official website introduction:
https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/whats-new-in-arcgis-pro.htm

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Share an official ESRI ArcGIS Pro tutorial book. The book uses ArcGIS Pro version 3.1. If you need this version, you can download it from our site. Refer to "Share ArcGIS Pro 3.1 'Learning Edition' Complete Installation Package (Includes Chinese Language Pack, Updated to 3.1.7)".

This PDF comes from the MalaGIS WeChat group. It is not a scanned copy but a high-quality original, making it an excellent resource for learning both GIS technology and English.

Book Introduction

GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS Pro 3.1 is a widely acclaimed introductory textbook on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Co-authored by Wilpen L. Gorr and Kristen S. Kurland, renowned educators from Carnegie Mellon University, and published by Esri Press, this fifth edition was released in June 2023. Designed specifically for ArcGIS Pro 3.1, it provides a systematic and practical learning path for beginners with no prior GIS experience.

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A reader recently noted that my earlier guide on purchasing licensed ArcGIS Pro is outdated. Upon review, I confirmed this—Esri no longer offers ArcGIS Desktop 10.8.2 for personal purchase, leaving only ArcGIS Pro available. Essentially, individual users can no longer legally acquire Desktop versions.

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