idea Add map scale bar to new map viewer in ArcGIS Online Ideas

Add map scale bar to new map viewer

eladrot — Sun, 01 May 2022 05:14:05 GMT

Hello,

Few costumers requsted to add map scale bar to the new map viewer.

The need to see the current scale level is important.

Requesting this idea please.

Thank you!

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

AlfredBaldenweck — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 16:41:46 GMT

I agree that this would be useful.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

DebHSF — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:21:29 GMT

Absolutely needed! It was on the old map viewer, don't understand why it's not been made available in the new one.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

Anonymous User — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:18:03 GMT

Yes, this is definitely needed. ASAP.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

MichaelTrust — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:55:29 GMT

Seems like a basic element for a map. Why was it left off (and still not in) the new Map Viewer??

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

ScottMcCulloch — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:12:35 GMT

ESRI why would you leave such a basic cartographic feature out of the new map viewer? Please add this ASAP.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

cmcwalker — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:26:25 GMT

Absolutely agree with everyone above, this is a basic and essential feature. Can someone from ESRI let us know where this sits on their development plan i.e. when will this feature be added?

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

PatriciaBeetham — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:12:46 GMT

Why was it even deleted? It can still be seen in the classic viewer. One of my ESRI instructors didn't even notice it was gone when I asked him why it was eliminated. Please bring this feature back.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

MiguelAngelVargas — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:04:06 GMT

Please Esri, come back the scale bar element to the Map Viewer, is an elemental cartographic element.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

NigelCato1 — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:20:39 GMT

3 reasons for including the line scale on maps:

teach my students to put a scale on every map - it's standard practice
When they take screenshots of different GIS maps they need to show that they have thought about the scale for comparison purposes
It was on the Classic version - why would it be removed?

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

WorcesterGTSS — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:55:45 GMT

Please make this happen. This is so essential. Even Google has a scale bar on their maps.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

JessicaBirrell — Wed, 01 May 2024 21:28:38 GMT

Good morning all,

I work for an Esri distributor and have been working with Nigel (a few comments above), to get an enhancement request actioned for this.

I will follow up my comment with any updates as the enhancement is reviewed by Esri Analysts.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

rtursini — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:21:15 GMT

I agree with all user comments here. Please bring back the scale bar to the new map viewer. It will streamline my work and is really quite a basic part of a map. As it stands, I have to open the measure tool, select units, create a sample line, then hold dividers up to my monitor!

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

TrinaSmith — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:11:56 GMT

Please add a scale bar ESRI asap. Its ridiculous not to have one.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

MiraLindgren — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:59:15 GMT

Good morning!

I work for an Esri Distributor and got a case requesting this.
I found an Enhancement logged for this, (i think this is the one mentioned by @JessicaBirrell above).
The enhancement is closed with the explanation "Will not be adressed".
The public explanation for this is:

"The scale bar is not included because it can be misleading and inaccurate in a dynamic mapping environment where you can pan and zoom. The measure tool can be used to get accurate, precise distance measurements. Additionally, map print outs, where you can lock in the map scale, include the scale bar."

If you want this reopened, please contact your local Esri technichal Support team and refer to the enhancement to attach your case to it.
If we want them to reconsider this, we need more attached cases.

Best regards,
Mira

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

WorcesterGTSS — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:11:57 GMT

Thanks for the information Mira. I'll plan to do what you suggest. Both Google and Bing Maps include scale bars. Knowing the map scale is crucial for so many of our users.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

BobPalin — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 17:17:56 GMT

It's unbelievable that this feature is still missing!

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

TrinaSmith — Fri, 02 May 2025 06:26:44 GMT

Additionally, map print outs, where you can lock in the map scale, include the scale bar." Yeah, but it's this ugly thing at the bottom which takes up valuable space when it could just sit neatly inside the map.

Re: Add map scale bar to new map viewer

AlfredBaldenweck — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:10:31 GMT

The scale bar is not included because it can be misleading and inaccurate in a dynamic mapping environment where you can pan and zoom.

What a bizarre notion. The whole point of a scale bar is to give you some sort of frame of reference in this "dynamic" environment; it shows you where along the spectrum of scale you are at the current moment.

At a minimum, the current scale should be available somewhere for us to check, e.g. a little 1:24,000 in the corner somewhere, but I don't seem to find that, either. Really odd choices all around; you'd think that you'd want to have some sort of idea of how far out you're zoomed. Between this and the stupid "City/County/State" zoom levels, it really seems like the webmapping team is not aiming to satisfy professional users' needs for traditional scale standards and use.