arcgis-explorerESRI has upgraded the ArcGIS Explorer sotware and released it as a free download on their website, providing a great way to borwse geographic information and GIS data.

“This release introduces some very big features,” says Bern Szukalski, ArcGIS Explorer product manager. “We’re always learning from users what they want and need, and we have incorporated some compelling new features as a result. These include the ability to access shared maps, layers, and tools directly from ArcGIS Online; support for layer packages that enable ArcGIS Explorer to leverage state-of-the-art ArcGIS Desktop cartography; the ability to use maps in 2D or 3D; and presentation tools that let users share their geographic knowledge and communicate geographically.”

They also adopted a few new UI features such as the popular “ribbon” interface, and integrated 2D and 3D displays with quick-switching.  An SDK is available for custom plugins, and new maps and layers are available from ArcGIS online, including Bing Maps.  Also is support for Google Earth’s KML and KMZ files.  Check it all out at the ArcGIS Explorer website.

via New Version of ArcGIS Explorer Now Available.