What is an ArcPad package?

An ArcPad package is a collection of files that can be opened and used in ArcPad. There are two ArcPad package types: ArcPad projects and ArcPad templates. Both of these package types can be uploaded to ArcGIS Online and shared with other users and groups. ArcPad packages can be downloaded directly to ArcPad.

ArcPad templates are a ZIP folder of files that can be browsed and used in the ArcPad QuickProject tool. When you choose an ArcPad template, ArcPad automatically makes a copy of the contents of the ZIP folder and launches the new QuickProject ready for use. You can then upload this newly created ArcPad project to ArcGIS Online for sharing.

For more information on ArcPad templates, see What are QuickProject templates?

ArcPad projects are a ZIP folder of files that can be opened and edited in ArcPad. These commonly contain an ArcPad map, shapefiles, or an AXF file. For example, the output of the Get Data for ArcPad tool in ArcMap is considered an ArcPad project. Optionally, an ArcPad project can include preference files, configuration files, and app shortcuts.

Not only can ArcPad Projects be downloaded from ArcGIS Online to ArcPad, they can also be updated. When you update an ArcPad project, the most recent files are moved from ArcPad to ArcGIS Online. Updating is a way to move files between your mobile device and the office without using Windows Device Manager or ActiveSync.

To illustrate these features, by sharing ArcPad projects in ArcGIS Online, a GIS administrator can manage data, for and from, multiple field workers. The project administrator can create a series of ArcPad projects (typically using the Get Data for ArcPad wizard in ArcMap) and share the projects with each of the field workers in ArcGIS Online. Each of the field workers can download their project in ArcPad and edit, create, and delete features. When finished, the field workers then update the ArcPad project, and their changes are moved to ArcGIS Online. The project administrator can then download all the ArcPad projects from ArcGIS Online to his or her local machine and use the current Get Data from ArcPad wizard to check in all the changes. Of course, as with all ArcGIS processes, scripts and models can be built to automate this checkout and check-in process.