1. What is ArcGIS Ideas?
ArcGIS Ideas is a community portal that allows Esri users to submit unique ideas and enhancement requests for Esri products, websites, training materials, and more. Users are also invited to vote on others’ ideas to help them gain popularity and visibility on the site. On ArcGIS Ideas, visitors may communicate and collaborate with other product users, as well as communicate directly with Esri developers and moderators.

2. How can I search for ideas?
Users may use the “Search Ideas” box at the top of the page using keywords that pertain to an idea they’d like to find. Users may also search using the “Categories” options from the left-hand menu to filter through and find the idea within the available options.

3. What happens if I add an idea and a similar idea already exists?
If your idea closely resembles another’s idea, you will see a prompt upon posting suggesting that you take a look at a few ideas that might be similar. Our moderators will also monitor new ideas and merge like ideas into one idea.

4. What is the Esri workflow to respond to ideas?
Esri moderators monitor ideas for the categories that they manage. These moderators include personnel from a wide spectrum, including product management, development and support teams. Depending on various factors like adherence to the ArcGIS product vision, Quality and completeness of the suggestion, feasibility and popularity of the idea, these ideas make way to the “Under Consideration” bin. At this stage, the Idea is under active consideration, but is not scheduled for development/deployment. When we have a reasonable level of confidence that the Idea is ready for development/deployment, it is moved to “Implemented” category. In addition to changing the status of the Idea, the moderators may respond in the comments section to provide more information regarding the timelines or features being considered or deployed.

5. What does the status “Under consideration” mean?
The status “Under Consideration” means that our development teams have determined that it is feasible and will possibly be implemented into the next upgrade or version of product.

6. What does the status “Implemented” mean?
The status “Implemented” means that we have a reasonable level of confidence that the idea is ready for development/deployment for a future version or upgrade of the Esri product. However, it doesn’t guarantee that it will be implemented into the next service pack or patch, or even the next released version of software. It may mean that the idea will be put into place in a version or service pack down the line.

7. What does the status “Deferred” mean?
The status “Deferred” means that, for now, the idea has been considered but put aside. It doesn’t mean that it’s been pushed aside permanently, but that right now it’s not something that’s feasible for immediate consideration. However, deferred ideas may be thought of first when future versions, service packs and patches are in the beginning stages, so definitely keep an eye out and keep voting for your favorite ideas for future implementation.

8. Can I edit the idea after I have posted it?
At this time, it is not possible for you to edit an idea after it has been posted. However, if you’d like to make a change to one of your ideas after it’s been posted, please contact the Ideas team at ideas@esri.com with a link to your idea and the changes you’d like to have made. We will make those changes for you.

9. How do I tag ideas?
When you’re about to post an idea, you will see an option below the idea description box for tags. Choose keywords that best fit your idea and try to think of words that others may search for in order to find your idea.