Software FAQs

Have questions about Esri related Software at UF?
We have answers.
Login and AuthenticationLicensing Info and CostsGeneral QuestionsOther SoftwareTraining and ESRI User Conference

Login and Authentication

How do I login to Esri products using my Gatorlink?

To use your Gatorlink account for Esri software Logins (including ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, another other software), please see this page.


How do I change or recover my Esri Password?

We can’t change your Esri password because it’s tied to your GatorLink account. You should be using the same login you use for the majority of other UF related business. For instructions on how to use your Gatorlink to login to Esri products, please see this page. If you don’t know or have forgot your Gatorlink credentials, please see this page for more information from UFIT.

Licensing Info and Costs


Why is there a charge for licenses?

The State has decreased the budget allocation for the UF site license for ESRI software. As a result, there is a shortfall in the amount owed to ESRI for the site license, and a user fee is being implemented to cover the shortfall.


What is the yearly cost for an ESRI license?

The license cost is $500.

ESRI License Costs

  • Level 1 – $500
    Unlimited seats for Desktop GIS (ArcGIS Pro) and ArcGIS Online (AGOL). In addition, access to all other ESRI products including ArcGIS Server (including SDE), ArcPad, Business Analyst and any other product included under ESRI site license.

Students using Esri software for class purposes can have access to the software for free. If students are using the software for grant funded research, they should contact the point of contact for their unit.

Please note: As of April 2024 there is no longer an option of level 3.


Who is the point of contact for my unit?

GeoPlan maintains one point of contact for each UF Unit that uses the Esri Site License. This point of contact will be in charge of distributing licensing, software links, and other Esri related information to Esri users in their unit. Other duties include: making sure annual payment towards site license is made, and coordinating with GeoPlan if one of their users needs to make a tech support request. To determine the point of contact in your unit, please contact GeoPlan.


How much does Esri software cost for students?

Current University of Florida students with a .ufl.edu email are entitled to free Esri software as long as the software is used for non-grant funded research or coursework. The software must be installed on your own personally owned computer. The following softwares are available for student use:

  • ArcGIS Pro
  • ArcGIS Online (AGOL)

Go here to get started with download and licensing.

General Questions


Is ArcMap going away?

Yes. You should immediately migrate to ArcGIS Pro if you wish to continue to use desktop GIS software from Esri under the UF/Esri site license. After 11/22/22 ArcMap will no longer be available. Please see this page for more details.


Does ArcGIS Pro Work on a Mac?

Not natively, but there are options. Please see this page for more info.


Why is spatial analyst not working?

Please see this page.


What software is available under the Esri Site License?

Please see this page.


How do I enable group- editing of Storymaps and other AGOL items?

Please see this page.


How do I transfer AGOL content to another user?

Please see this page.

Other Software


How can I get a copy of ERDAS IMAGINE?

The contact for all LEICA/ERDAS related products and licenses is Joe Aufmuth.


Is XTools available for campus use?

Thanks to a handful of departments and centers around campus, XTools Pro is available for University of Florida owned computers. For more information on xtools, please see their website: http://www.xtoolspro.com/. If you would like to acquire Xtools Pro, please first run the trial version that can be found at the XTools website. If you still would like the software, then please contact GeoPlan.

Training and ESRI User Conference


How do I access free Esri Training?

https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/search/ > Sign In > Choose “Your ArcGIS organization’s URL” > enter “ufl” > University of Florida > enter GatorLink Credentials


Are there any free passes to the Esri Conference?

Yes, UF has 5 complimentary passes. Please see this page for more info on obtaining a pass.