Tutorials for Web GISIntroduction to ArcGIS Online

Introduction to ArcGIS OnlineTutorial OverviewIn this tutorial you will create an ArcGIS Public Account, explore content available through ArcGIS Online, and create, save and share your own Web map. ArcGIS Online is a Web-based system that allows you to create interactive maps and applications (apps), and share them with the world across the Internet. ArcGIS Online also gives you access to data, maps and apps already created by other people within the worldwide community of GIS users.

SkillsBy completing this tutorial, you will become comfortable with the following GIS skills:

1. Creating a public ArcGIS Online account.2. Searching for data, maps and apps in ArcGIS

Online.3. Saving and sharing Web maps in ArcGIS Online.

Time RequiredThe following classroom time is required to complete this tutorial:

20 – 30 minutes

Materials RequiredTechnology:

Internet browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari)

Part A: Creating a Public Account in ArcGIS Online

1. Start by typing the URL www.arcgis.com/home/ into your Web browser.

2. Click Sign In at the upper right hand side of the page.

3. Click the Create a Public Account button.

4. On the Create a New Account page, enter all the required information. When you have finished entering all the required information and have reviewed the terms of use, write down your username and password for future use and select the Create My Account button.

Once your account has been created, you will automatically be signed in and taken to the ArcGIS Online home page shown below. You now have the ability to save and share Web maps and apps through ArcGIS Online.

Part B: Searching for Content in ArcGIS OnlineThere are many ways to find Web maps and apps and to search for and add data to a map in ArcGIS Online. In this section you will explore the available search functionality within ArcGIS Online.

Gallery1. Select the Gallery button at the top of the home

page. The Gallery page provides access to featured Web maps and apps and is a good place to find content that is relevant to current events.

2. Examine a Web map or app from the Gallery. You can do this by moving your mouse over the

education@esri.ca edu.esri.ca Page 1 of 2

Tutorials for Web GISIntroduction to ArcGIS Online

thumbnails and clicking on Open to view a map or app.

Groups3. Select the Groups button at the top of the home

page. The Groups page provides access to a number of groups that exist in ArcGIS Online. Groups allow users with similar interests to come together and share content with one another.

An applicable group for Canadian students and educators is the Esri Canada Education Resources group.

4. Using the search box located in the upper-right corner of the Groups page, search for “Esri Canada Education”.

5. Explore the education-related content available as part of the Esri Canada Education Resources group. You can do this by moving your mouse over the thumbnails and choosing to Open a map in the ArcGIS Online Map Viewer.

Map6. Click the Map button that is located at the top of

the ArcGIS Online home page. This will launch the ArcGIS Online Map Viewer. The Map Viewer is the default location for creating and viewing Web maps and data within ArcGIS Online.

It is important to note that instead of searching for content, the search box in the Map Viewer will search for geographic locations on the map.

7. Locate the search box in the upper-right corner of the Map Viewer. Use the search box to zoom to a location of your personal interest. The search box can be used to locate countries, cities, specific addresses, institutions such as universities and even certain monuments.

Note: For accurate search results, include as much information as possible, such as: Address, City, Province and Postal Code.

ArcGIS Online will zoom to the approximate location. If nothing happens, try adding more information to your search.

In the map viewer you can also search for data to add to your map:

8. Click on the add data button and choose to Search for Layers.

9. Type in a keyword to find data of your own interest.

10. Explore the layers available in the results window. In the results window click on the layer title for more information or click Add to add the data to your map.

11. Choose a layer to add to your map. Explore the data.

Now that you have a map created, save it.

Part C: Saving and Sharing a Map in ArcGIS OnlineIn this section, you will save your map to your public account. From there, you have the option to share your map with the world via the Internet or take advantage of a number of Web apps to showcase your map. You can learn how to find, organize and edit your maps through the My Content page.

Save and Share1. It is now time to save your map. Click the Save

icon located above your map.

2. In the Save Map window, enter an appropriate title, summary and a set of tags (for example “Vancouver”) that will make your map easy for others to find if they search for it. When you are finished, click the Save Map button. Your map is now saved to your ArcGIS Online account.Note: You can access your map by locating it within the My Contents section of ArcGIS Online.

You are done this Tutorial! Now move on to “Creating Features.”© 2012 Esri Canada All rights reserved. Trademarks provided under license from Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Errors and omissions excepted.

education@esri.ca edu.esri.ca Page 2 of 2