Mapping and visualization in ArcGIS for Desktop

ArcGIS for Desktop has three applications that can be used for mapping and visualization:

• ArcMap is the main application used in ArcGIS for Desktop for mapping, editing, analysis, and data management. ArcMap is used for all 2D mapping work and visualization.

  See What is ArcMap? for more information.

• ArcGlobe is used for seamless 3D visualization of geographic data using a continuous global view. This application is generally designed to be used with very large datasets that are displayed using varying levels of detail. ArcGlobe is part of the optional ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension.
• ArcScene is used for 3D visualization of focused scenes or areas. It creates a 3D scene view that you can navigate and interact with for enclosed areas of interest. ArcScene is also part of the ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension.

See Working with ArcScene and ArcGlobe to learn more about the ArcGIS for Desktop applications which allow you to visualize data in a 3D environment.

The remainder of this help book provides extensive documentation on using ArcMap. The links above will take you to help for ArcScene and ArcGlobe.