To view ArcGIS maps, you can utilize a variety of platforms and applications, from web browsers to dedicated desktop and mobile software, depending on your needs and the type of map. The ArcGIS Online Map Viewer is a primary tool, offering an intuitive design that allows you to view and manage content in one dedicated area, and to customize and configure a map in another area, all directly within your web browser.
Viewing ArcGIS Maps in a Web Browser (ArcGIS Online & ArcGIS Enterprise)
Web browsers offer the most accessible way to view ArcGIS maps, especially for shared and collaborative content.
ArcGIS Online Map Viewer
ArcGIS Online provides a powerful, web-based Map Viewer that allows users to explore, create, and share maps without installing any software. This tool is designed for ease of use, enabling you to interact with geographic data effortlessly.
Steps to View Maps in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer:
- Access ArcGIS Online: Navigate to the ArcGIS Online website.
- Sign In: If you have an account, sign in to access your saved maps and private content. Public maps can often be viewed without signing in.
- Find a Map:
- Go to the "Content" tab to see maps you own or have access to.
- Explore the "Gallery" or "Living Atlas" for featured maps and global geographic data.
- Use the search bar to find specific maps by keywords.
- Open in Map Viewer: Once you've selected a map, choose the option to "Open in Map Viewer" or simply click on the map's thumbnail if it's set to open directly.
- Explore the Map: Within the Map Viewer, you can:
- Pan and zoom to different areas.
- Toggle layers on and off.
- View pop-up information by clicking on features.
- Change basemaps.
- Perform basic analysis or measure distances.
ArcGIS Enterprise Portals
Organizations that host their own ArcGIS infrastructure often use an ArcGIS Enterprise portal, which functions similarly to ArcGIS Online but is hosted privately. You can view maps within your organization's portal using its built-in map viewer, following steps comparable to those for ArcGIS Online.
Viewing ArcGIS Maps on Desktop Applications
For advanced GIS analysis, data editing, and professional map production, desktop applications offer comprehensive tools.
ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Pro is Esri's powerful, modern desktop GIS application. It allows you to visualize, analyze, compile, and share geographic data in both 2D and 3D.
How to View Maps in ArcGIS Pro:
- Open a Project: Start ArcGIS Pro and open an existing project (
.aprx) which contains maps, layouts, and data. - Explore Maps: Navigate through the "Contents" pane to select and view different maps within your project.
- Add Data: You can add various data types (shapefiles, geodatabases, web services, etc.) to your map for visualization.
- Interactive Tools: Use navigation tools, identify features, apply symbology, and perform complex spatial analysis.
ArcMap (Legacy Desktop Application)
ArcMap is the traditional desktop GIS application from Esri. While being phased out in favor of ArcGIS Pro, many users still utilize it.
How to View Maps in ArcMap:
- Open a Map Document: Launch ArcMap and open an existing map document (
.mxd). - Layer Management: Manage layers in the "Table Of Contents," turning them on or off, reordering, and adjusting symbology.
- Navigation: Use the zoom, pan, and identify tools to interact with your map data.
Viewing ArcGIS Maps on Mobile Devices
Mobile applications extend the reach of ArcGIS maps into the field, enabling access to geographic information on smartphones and tablets.
Popular Mobile Apps for Viewing ArcGIS Maps:
- ArcGIS Field Maps: Designed for field data collection, map viewing, and asset inspection. It allows users to download maps for offline use, navigate, and mark points of interest.
- ArcGIS Explorer: A lightweight app for exploring and sharing maps and data on the go. It supports interactive map viewing, searching for places, and measuring distances.
These apps typically connect to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise to access and synchronize maps and data.
Embedding ArcGIS Maps on Websites
ArcGIS maps can also be embedded directly into websites, web applications, and dashboards, making them accessible to a broader audience without requiring users to visit an ArcGIS platform.
Methods for Embedding Maps:
- ArcGIS APIs for JavaScript: Developers can use the ArcGIS API for JavaScript to build custom web applications with interactive maps, offering full control over functionality and design.
- Embedded Viewers: Some web maps from ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise can generate simple embed codes (if the item owner has enabled sharing), allowing you to easily insert an interactive map into an HTML page or blog post.
Summary of ArcGIS Map Viewing Options
Here's a quick overview of the main ways to view ArcGIS maps:
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browser | Interactive viewing, management, and customization through ArcGIS Online Map Viewer or Enterprise portals. | Quick access, collaboration, sharing, general public viewing. |
| Desktop Applications | Advanced analysis, editing, map creation, and professional map production using ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap. | GIS professionals, detailed analysis, large datasets, cartographic design. |
| Mobile Apps | Field data collection, navigation, and offline map access on smartphones and tablets. | Field operations, remote access, on-site data viewing. |
| Embedded Maps | Integrating interactive maps directly into custom websites, blogs, or applications. | Web developers, public-facing applications, custom user experiences. |
No matter your technical proficiency or specific needs, ArcGIS provides a robust solution for viewing and interacting with geographic information.
