來自Directions Magazine的報道，ESRI用戶大會消息，ArcGIS 9.3系列的新特性和功能包括：

ArcGIS
ArcGIS的改進重點在對地理信息科學的支持，引入和改進了分析工具，增強了標注和可視化，腳本功能，詳細更新如下：

ArcMAP
重點在標注和可視化的圖形編輯。

ArcGIS Server
ArcGIS Server的改進是整個ArcGIS系列里比較多的，包括打印、地圖Tip，WFC、WCS、KML、GML支持的增強，ArcGIS for AutoCAD，REST API和Java Script API，緩存，安全，對PostgreSQL, Oracle Express和DB2的支持。

Geoprocessing
這部分將有許多重大改進。


英文原文：

ArcGIS
ArcGIS 9.3 is being incrementally released in a series of service packs with emphasis on refining and improving workflows; the bulk of the product is to be released next year. These packs will include ways to improve "geographic science" such as using Gaussian geostatistical simulation and rich error messaging, and improving mapping and labeling, scripting, modeling, and WYSIWYG graphic editing. Below are some of the additions shared during the ESRI User Conference.

ArcMap
Label placement for contour maps will better match what users of USGS quad sheets expect. In particular, the contour elevation labels appear on the major contour intervals and do not overprint the line work. The new release introduces WYSIWYG editing for line work and improvements will be made to street number placement, support for Asian language characters, multiple view windows, labeling on 3D services, the speed of import of Web services, tracking in 3D, textured COLLADA and schematic diagramming.

ArcGIS Server
ESRI believes that CIOs are increasingly dealing with GIS and that server-based GIS is used in most major cities around the world. Key priorities focus on the high bar set by IT departments, including systems that are:

1. reliable and recoverable
2. interoperable and scalable
3. highly secure
4. deployable to the non-GIS specialist

Key enhancements for ArcGIS Server include:

1. printing updates to enhance graphic output, also known as "pretty maps"
2. map tips that provide "mouse over" access to attributes
3. support for Web Feature Service (WFS), Web Coverage Service (WCS) for raster, Simple Feature KML and GML
4. spatial data management and cartographic capabilities for AutoCAD users with the new product "ArcGIS for AutoCAD" which is available now in ArcGIS 9.2
5. REST API and Java Script API support
6. caching to enhance Web application performance
7. security for Web applications and services, allowing users access based on Windows authentication
8. support for PostgreSQL, Oracle Express and DB2 (z/OS)
9. a mobile client built on the Windows Mobile platform

ArcExplorer
ArcGIS Explorer is now available and is delivered as a free client with ArcGIS Server.

ArcGIS online, ESRI's Web data repository, continues to grow with more data additions.

Geoprocessing
There will be a number of functionality enhancements to the geoprocessing framework in ArcGIS 9.3.

There will be new business graphs and charts including matrix scatter plots that reveal data characteristics. Scatter plots show slices of different correlations (disposable income, age, ethnicity, race, etc.). The plots are interactive such that each data theme can be selected to graph on a map. A user can select a chart type, draw a box around a group of points on the plot, and have that specific set of data points displayed on the map. Regression analysis will allow users to look at the correlation between data. Users will be able to build a regression model and then apply the model to other geographic areas.

In addition, spatial regression models will allow users to understand how data compare with predicted circumstances or events. If a user determines that certain spatial patterns are not random, there may be some underlying geographic relationships to explore.

The Geographically Weighted Regression Model (GWR) fits a separate regression equation to each data point. It's possible to predict where other phenomena will occur and make comparisons of "before and afterâ