How to Use ArcGIS Online: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to GIS (Geographic Information System), you might be wondering how to get started with ArcGIS Online. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, cartogeek.com explain what ArcGIS Online is, how to create an account, and how to use it to create and share maps and data.

What is ArcGIS Online?

Esri has developed a cloud-based platform known as ArcGIS Online that enables mapping and analysis capabilities.It allows users to create, store, and share maps, data, and apps. With ArcGIS Online, you can access a variety of Esri basemaps, as well as add your own data and create custom maps. You can also perform analysis, such as geocoding, routing, and spatial analysis, all from your web browser.

Creating an ArcGIS Online Account

Before you can start using ArcGIS Online, you’ll need to create an account. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the ArcGIS Online website esri and click on the “Sign In” button in the top-right corner of the page.
2. Click on the “Create a public account” link.
3. Fill out the form with your information, including your email address and a password.
4. Click on the “Create an Account” button.

Once you’ve created your account, you can start exploring ArcGIS Online.

Getting Familiar with ArcGIS Online

When you first log in to ArcGIS Online, you’ll be taken to the home page. From here, you can access your content, create new maps and apps, and search for public maps and data. Let’s take a look at the main components of the home page.

Home

The home page is where you can access your content, as well as search for public maps and data. You can also create new maps and apps from here.

Map Viewer

The map viewer is where you can create and edit maps. You can add layers, perform analysis, and customize the appearance of your map.

Scene Viewer

The scene viewer is where you can create and edit 3D scenes. You can add layers, perform analysis, and customize the appearance of your scene.

Content

The content page is where you can manage your maps, data, and apps. You can upload new content, organize your existing content, and share your content with others.

Groups

Groups allow you to share content with specific people or organizations. You can create groups and invite members, as well as join existing groups.

Creating a Map

Creating a map in ArcGIS Online is easy. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Choose a basemap from the list on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. To include your own data, simply click on the “Add Layer” button.
4. Customize the appearance of your map using the options in the toolbar.

Sharing Your Map

Once you’ve created a map, you can share it with others. Follow these steps:

1. To proceed, select the “Share” button located in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Choose the sharing options you want to use (public, organization, or specific groups or users).
3. Click on the “Share Map” button.

Using ArcGIS Online for Analysis

ArcGIS Online allows you to perform a variety of analysis tasks, including geocoding, routing, and spatial analysis. Let’s take a look at how to perform geocoding.

Geocoding

Geocoding refers to the procedure of transforming an address or a place name into a precise set of geographic coordinates, typically latitude and longitude.

Follow these steps to perform Geocoding

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Type the address or place name you want to geocode into the search bar at the top of the screen.
3. Click on the magnifying glass icon to perform the search.
4. Once the location is found, click on the “Add to Map” button to add it to your map.

Routing

Routing allows you to find the best route between two or more locations. Follow these steps to perform routing in ArcGIS Online:

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Click on the “Directions” button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
3. Type in the starting and ending locations.
4. If you have additional stops, you can add them by clicking on the “Add Stop” button.
5. Once all stops have been added, click on the “Get Directions” button.

Spatial Analysis

Spatial analysis allows you to analyze geographic data to find patterns and relationships. Follow these steps to perform spatial analysis in ArcGIS Online:

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Click on the “Analysis” button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
3. Choose the type of analysis you want to perform from the list on the left-hand side of the screen.
4. Follow the prompts to set up your analysis.

How to Use ArcGIS Online

Now that we’ve covered the basics of ArcGIS Online, let’s dive deeper into how to use it.

Adding Layers to Your Map

To add layers to your map, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. To proceed, select the “Add” button located in the toolbar at the top of your screen.
3. Choose the type of layer you want to add (such as a shapefile or CSV file).
4. Follow the prompts to upload your data.

Styling Your Layers

To style your layers, follow these steps:

1. Click on the layer you want to style in the Contents pane on the left-hand side of the screen.
2. Click on the “Change Style” button.
3. Choose the type of style you want to apply (such as a heatmap or cluster).
4. Follow the prompts to customize the appearance of your layer.

Creating a Web Map

To create a web map, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Customize your map using the options in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
3. To save your changes, click on the “Save” button located in the top-right corner of your screen.
4. Choose the sharing options you want to use (public, organization, or specific groups or users).
5. Click on the “Save Map” button.

Creating a Web App

To create a web app, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Map” button in the top navigation bar.
2. To create an app, select the “Create App” button located in the toolbar at the top of your screen.
3. Choose the type of app you want to create (such as a dashboard or story map).
4. Follow the prompts to customize your app.

Adding Widgets to Your Web App

To add widgets to your web app, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Edit” button in the top-right corner of your app.
2. To add a widget, click on the “Add Widget” button located in the toolbar at the top of your screen,
3. and then choose the desired widget type.

Sharing Your Content

Sharing your content in ArcGIS Online allows you to collaborate with others and make your maps and apps accessible to a wider audience. Follow these steps to share your content:

1. Click on the “Content” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Select the item you want to share.
3. To share your work, click on the “Share” button located in the toolbar at the top of your screen.
4. Choose the sharing options you want to use (public, organization, or specific groups or users).
5. Click on the “Share Item” button.

Collaborating with Others

Collaborating with others in ArcGIS Online allows you to work together on maps and apps. Follow these steps to collaborate with others:

1. Click on the “Content” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Select the item you want to collaborate on.
3. Click on the “Collaborate” button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
4. Enter the names or email addresses of the individuals you wish to collaborate with,
5. and then select the desired level of access for each person.
6. Click on the “Add” button.

Managing Your Content

Managing your content in ArcGIS Online allows you to organize your maps and apps and keep track of changes. Follow these steps to manage your content:

1. Click on the “Content” button in the top navigation bar.
2. Select the item you want to manage.
3. Click on the “Details” button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
4. Edit the details of your item as needed.
5. Click on the “Save” button.

Using ArcGIS Online on Mobile Devices

ArcGIS Online can also be used on mobile devices through the ArcGIS mobile app. Follow these steps to use ArcGIS Online on your mobile device:

1. Download the ArcGIS mobile app from your app store.
2. Log in to your ArcGIS Online account.
3. Access your maps and apps on your mobile device.

FAQs

1. Can I use ArcGIS Online for free?
2. Yes, you can sign up for a free ArcGIS Online account that allows you to create up to five web maps and use many of the features available in ArcGIS Online.
3. Can I use my own data in ArcGIS Online?
4. Yes, you can upload your own data to ArcGIS Online and use it to create maps and apps.
5. Can I collaborate with others in ArcGIS Online?
6. Yes, you can collaborate with others in ArcGIS Online by sharing your maps and apps with them and giving them access to edit and view your content.
7. Can I use ArcGIS Online offline?
8. No, ArcGIS Online requires an internet connection to use.
9. What are the benefits of using ArcGIS Online?
10. ArcGIS Online allows you to create and share maps and apps, collaborate with others, and access a wide range of geographic data and tools.
11. Is ArcGIS Online easy to use?
12. ArcGIS Online can be complex, but it offers many resources and tutorials to help users learn how to use the platform effectively.

Conclusion

ArcGIS Online is a powerful tool for creating, analyzing, and sharing geographic data. Whether you are a GIS professional or a novice user, ArcGIS Online offers a wide range of features and capabilities that can help you visualize and understand the world around you. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can start using ArcGIS Online to create your own maps and apps and collaborate with others in the GIS community.

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