I used the old ArcExplorer software as a lightweight viewer and mapmaker to publish migratory species distribution shapes on CD. Old Arcexplorer worked offline, but is now incompatible with modern windows versions (it does work in a Linux VM environment). I think it was the best compromise between flexible functionality and rapid learning curves, effective use could be teached in 2 hours! In contrast, the new javabased Arcexplorer is awkward and cannot digest my old arp projects. I think DIVAGIS is still in use, stable http://www.diva-gis.org/ and works offline, so I might use it for the next CD, if I do not get better suggestions.
try with TatukGIS free viewer (for windows)
http://www.tatukgis.com/Products/EditorViewer.aspx
thanks for all your answers! QGIS evidently turns out as stateoftheart freeware, but is far too complex for a lightweight publication, which - inter alia- might be used by "decision makers" who want to get an idea of GIS applications for Nature protection in a 2 hours seminar.... I am still exploring, and here is another interesting option: https://www.gaia-gis.it/fossil/libreatlas/wiki?name=LibreAtlasDoc
Gvsig portable version. No installation needed just unzip and use it. http://www.gvsig.com/en/products/gvsig-desktop/downloads
I only read your question now. In case you are still looking for potential alternatives, you may explore this option: http://openev.sourceforge.net/
Thanks for this, looks promising! At the moment I am investigating http://www.openjump.org/ which looks lightweight and user-friendly,but has some glitches. Up to now nothing like good old ArcExplorer, which was ideal for teaching and publishing GIS maps. It still works within a VM environment...
just a 2018 update: Meanwhile I have tested the distinct options. Conclusion: the old Arcexplorer (as on our GROMS CD) is best, particularly for teaching! After a short introduction (less than 1 hour, depending on the audience), participants can generate modified GIS maps as hands-on exercises, and after 1 day got the basic idea of GIS , and are ready for more powerful software. In contrast, starting with QGIS is confusing, if you are not familiar with the basic concepts of GIS. It is possible to run out-dated ArcExplorer software (as on our CD) on a virtual machine emulating Windows XP or lower. I think it is worth the effort, but would be happy to learn about latest light-viewer developments.
- I've written a simple shapefile viewer you may want to try out - go here https://pterylae.com.
looks interesting! Meanwhile I am trying to convert our 1K shapefiles to json which seems to become the new standard of interoperability
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