Prepare for the next release of ArcGIS Navigator (24.1.0) : Rebuilding Locators in MMPKs

Summary

The 24.1.0 release of ArcGIS Navigator brings significant performance enhancements and bug fixes. For organizations that use custom Mobile Map Packages (MMPKs) it may be necessary to rebuild the Locator and MMPK to maintain optimal performance when searching for addresses and assets. This article guides you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth upgrade.

Understanding the Change

In this release of ArcGIS Navigator, organizations must rebuild their locators using the Create Locator geoprocessing tool available in ArcGIS Pro. This is a shift from the previously used Create Address Locator tool. The new locator format is required for this and future releases of ArcGIS Navigator and provides improved performance, making it essential for organizations to update their MMPKs.

Procedure

Steps to Rebuild Locators

1. Prepare your data
   Before you begin, ensure that your data is clean and well-organized. This includes:
   • Verifying the accuracy of your address data
   • Removing any duplicate or outdated entries
   • Ensuring that your data is in a compatible format for ArcGIS Pro
2. Open ArcGIS Pro
   Ensure that the Create Locator tool is available in your ArcGIS Pro.
3. Access the Create Locator tool
   Navigate to the Geoprocessing pane in ArcGIS Pro and search for the Create Locator tool. This tool is designed to create locators that are compatible with the latest version of ArcGIS Navigator.
4. Configure the locator
   Follow these steps to configure the locator:
   • Country or Region: Select the geographic area of the source data.
   • Primary Table(s). Select the source data for the locator.
   • Field Mapping: Map your data fields to the corresponding locator fields. This step ensures that the locator can accurately interpret your data.
   • Output Locator: Choose the file name and destination
   • Language Code: Choose the language that will be used
5. Run the tool
   Once you have configured the locator, run the Create Locator tool. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the dataset.
6. Validate the Locator
   After the locator is created, validate it by performing test searches. Ensure that the locator returns accurate and expected results. Make any necessary adjustments to the configuration if needed.
7. Rebuild the MMPK
   Finally, rebuild the MMPK and share with field teams. The rebuild can be done by going to the Share ribbon in ArcGIS Pro and selecting Mobile Map.  To include a locator, check the Include Locator check box and choose the address locator. This step ensures that ArcGIS Navigator can use the updated locator for accurate navigation.

To summarize, the 24.1.0 release of ArcGIS Navigator requires organizations to rebuild their locators using the Create Locator tool in ArcGIS Pro. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth transition and take advantage of the improved capabilities offered by the new tool. Stay ahead of the curve and prepare your locators today to ensure seamless navigation for your users.