While ArcGIS provides its own set of default basemaps, ArcGoogle offers several distinct advantages for the 10.8 environment:
If you have a compiled .esriaddin file:
A field crew collects asset data in Google Earth (saved as KMZ). Using the enhanced KML to Layer tool (part of ArcGoogle suite), the GIS specialist converts the KMZ into a file geodatabase feature class, preserving field names, photos (as attachments), and polygon styles—something the default ArcGIS 10.8 tool often fails to do properly. arcgoogle for arcgis 10.8
High-volume use may require a Google Maps Platform API key.
Without "ArcGoogle" tools, an ArcMap user faces several hurdles: While ArcGIS provides its own set of default
Unlike Esri’s own Living Atlas, Google’s dynamic layers (e.g., live transit) cannot be edited or analyzed in real time within ArcGIS. Most integrations are snapshot-based.
Leverages Google’s Distance Matrix API to calculate real-world driving distances and durations between multiple points, something ArcGIS Network Analyst can do but often requires localized street data. Without "ArcGoogle" tools, an ArcMap user faces several
services—including satellite imagery, hybrid views, and street maps—directly into ArcGIS 10.8 (ArcMap) as high-speed basemaps
ArcGIS 10.8 includes basic KML-to-Layer conversion via the "KML To Layer" tool (Conversion Tools > From KML). However, enhanced "ArcGoogle" scripts preserve symbology, pop-ups, and complex geometries better than the default tool.
Importing Google’s 3D buildings (via KML) into ArcScene allows planners to assess shadow impacts and line-of-sight for new high-rises.