Advancing Parcel Management with Sidwell
Recently, Sidwell hosted a learning session, ArcGIS Pro Made Easy, bringing together GIS users from across the country to share practical tips, proven workflows, and productivity hacks for transitioning to ArcGIS Pro. It was led by Van O’Brien, Sidwell’s leading ArcGIS Pro expert. The session walked attendees through a range of topics, from beginner-friendly techniques to advanced capabilities to help make ArcGIS Pro less daunting and more accessible. Whether you’re still switching away from ArcMap or looking to sharpen your Pro skills, here are three key takeaways from the session.
1. Master Navigation and Customization for Faster Work
ArcGIS Pro’s interface is a big shift from ArcMap. With tools now organized in contextual menus instead of static toolbars, finding the right command can slow you down, unless you customize your workspace.
Key tips from the training:
• Use the Locate Tool efficiently by connecting it to your own data layers for quick parcel or owner searches.
• Customize the Quick Access Toolbar with frequently used tools like Locate, Explore, and Measure so they’re always just one click away.
• Create a custom ribbon tab to group tools from different menus in one place, streamlining your workflow and reducing clicks.
By tailoring the interface, you organize Pro to support you the way in the way you work (not the other way around). We cover much more in this area in Sidwell training course.
2. Use Tasks to Standardize and Streamline Workflows
ArcGIS Pro’s Tasks feature lets you build repeatable, step-by-step workflows that ensure consistency across your team, such that the work can only be done the right way. During the session, Van demonstrated how to create a “Merge Parcels” task that:
- Prompts the user to locate parcels
- Activates the merge tool
- Updates related layers
- Generates a map layout for printing
- Sends a reminder to notify stakeholders
Tasks reduce training time, improve accuracy, and ensure critical steps aren’t missed. Perfect for parcel maintenance, addressing, or other multi-step processes. Sidwell can help you configure tasks for whatever your workflow may be.
3. Leverage Attribute Rules for Smarter Data Entry
Attribute Rules in ArcGIS Pro can automate repetitive data entry, enforce data standards, and even create geometry in related layers.
Examples from the training included:
• Auto-filling fields—such as pulling the year from a permit number or extracting a Parcel ID Number from an intersecting parcel polygon.
• Capturing coordinates automatically when placing points, saving time and reducing errors.
• Generating related features—like creating a one-acre buffer around a wind turbine point the moment it’s added.
These automations can save hours of manual entry and greatly improve data consistency.
Why This Matters
Upgrading to ArcGIS Pro is more than just learning where the buttons are; it’s about building efficient, modern GIS workflows. This enables your Agency to continue getting it’s work done while minimizing the disruptions that come from adopting a new desktop GIS. Sidwell’s approach combines our decades of Local Government expertise with the latest ArcGIS technology to help clients work smarter and empowers over the long term.
Curious to explore how more of an-depth approach to training with Sidwell can benefit your organization and help you fully adopt, and standardize upon, ArcGIS Pro? Contact us
About Sidwell
Sidwell is an Esri Gold Partner with over 90 years of GIS expertise, serving local governments across 30 states. We deliver modernization strategies, data services, and tailored solutions like Parcel Administrator, FARMS, Map Plotter, and Portico to streamline land records, improve accuracy, and enhance public engagement.
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