MapTrace: complemento para la gestión de versiones mediante snapshots en File Geodatabases de ArcGIS Pro

Abstract

Version management in Geographic Information Systems projects developed in individual environments represents a significant limitation when using File Geodatabases in ArcGIS Pro, given that this type of repository does not incorporate native version control mechanisms. This situation creates difficulties in change traceability, disorganization in version storage, and risk of geospatial information loss. To address this problem, MapTrace was developed, an add-in for ArcGIS Pro that implements a snapshot-based version management system for raster and vector datasets stored in File Geodatabases. The methodology adopted was mixed in approach, applied and propositional in nature, organized into four phases: requirements definition, architecture design, plug-in implementation, and results evaluation. The outcome was a functional Add-In developed in C# with .NET 8 and the ArcGIS Pro SDK 3.6, natively integrated into the platform through a custom ribbon tab and a lateral management panel. The plug-in allows users to create, view, restore, and delete versions, storing snapshots in an independent geodatabase along with their associated metadata. The evaluation conducted by five GIS professionals yielded an average score of 4.6 out of 5 in functionality, usability, and efficiency, demonstrating that the developed solution effectively contributes to improving the traceability and organization of geospatial data in individual work environments.