Q&A: Modernize Data Exploration and Mapping with ArcGIS Online Map Viewer
On August 16, 2022, the ArcGIS Online team hosted a webinar in partnership with Directions Magazine titled, Modernize Data Exploration and Mapping with ArcGIS Online Map Viewer. In this post, you will find the recording, resources, and answers to the questions asked.
We recommend that you watch the recording first before diving into the Q&A. We have also attached a handout with links to various resources to help you get started.
Questions and Answers
ArcGIS Living Atlas Content
Q: Do these layers from Living Atlas consume credits and when will these features be available in ArcGIS Pro?
The vast majority of content in Living Atlas doesn’t consume any credits. The ACS layers Lisa showed in the demo are free, no credits involved. Anything marked "Premium" consumes credits. Anything marked "Subscriber only" requires a login but does not consume credits. Read this blog to learn more about the different types of content in ArcGIS Living Atlas.
Q: What is the difference between verified vs unverified data sets/maps?
Items in Living Atlas are verified by Esri curators who check that data nominated to Living Atlas is coming directly from an authoritative source, or obtained from an authoritative source with clear documentation about where and when the data was obtained, any modifications/enhancements made to the source data, vintage and date of the last update, and similar information.
Map Viewer and Map Viewer Classic
Q: Are all the Map Viewer Analysis Tools in the classic viewer available in Map Viewer?
Spatial analysis tools are now available in Map Viewer as of February 22, 2023. Read this blog to learn more.
Q: Are there instances in which styling a map in Map Viewer Classic may be better or more efficient?
It depends on your specific use case. However, note that Map Viewer Classic is the predecessor of Map Viewer. Thus, Map Viewer is built using more modern technology than Map Viewer Classic. Compared to Map Viewer Classic, Map Viewer has many rich functionalities such as layer effects and other beautiful visualization capabilities.
Visualization Tools and Smart Mapping
Q: How do you create the “High/high & low/low” visualization? What is that feature called?
This feature is called "Theme.” You can switch the key visualization from highlighting low/high values to above/below, etc. There are different theme options depending on which Counts and Amounts mapping style you are using.
Q: Is there more thorough documentation on the styling features?
Yes, see the Smart Mapping StoryMap collection.
Q: What do I do if I do not see the Filter or Effects "widget" on the right sidebar?
Verify which layer, or which group layer, you selected. The options available depend on what kind of layer you choose. For example, feature effects are available for feature layers.
Q: Will layer effects be available in ArcGIS Enterprise?
Yes, it is planned to be available in ArcGIS Enterprise 11.0.
Q: What's the timeline for being able to bring layers map viewer by shape file or kmz?
This is already available in Map Viewer, as well as in My Contents page.
Q: Is there a way to add custom color ramps to the New Viewer?
We currently do not have a way to enable you to upload your own color ramp/palette definitions for use within your organization. We are interested in talking with you about how you would see that working. In many map styles, you can directly edit the colors by clicking on a color and changing its HEX values, RGB value, or HSV values. You can also use ArcGIS Online Assistant to directly edit the JSON of a layer or webmap to apply the colors desired. When we want to try out a new color ramp rapidly, that is how we do that. Contact Jim Herries (jherries@esri.com) to discuss further.
Q: What app would you suggest for sharing that would show map scale, legend, and even north arrow?
Survey123 and Map Viewer are compatible with one another, and the editing experience in popups is comparable between Map Viewer Classic and Map Viewer.
Q: Does AGOL map symbology carry over into ArcGIS Pro if opening the web map there?
In most cases, yes. While there are some exceptions, you can expect for the symbology to work in ArcGIS Pro if they work in ArcGIS Online.
Q: Is the multiply effect an option in ArcGIS Pro?
Yes, it is. All the blending modes available in ArcGIS Online are also available in ArcGIS Pro.
Q: If you have a dataset that has a related table, how can you show that related information in the pop-up box?
One way to do this is to use an Arcade FeatureSet. Here is a great blog showing how this can be done.
Q: How do I use alias labels on my popups in Map Viewer?
Alias labels automatically appear when you add a "Fields List" component to your popup. If a field has an alias label, which is also referred to as Display Name in the interface, that information appears automatically in popups, charts and tables. Whenver a layer is published with alias labels, it dramatically improves the use of the layer by all subsequent users.
Q: How do you filter showing just the county?
As shown in the demo: Choose the layer, select the Filter tool on the Contents toolbar at the far right of the screen, and set the filter to County Name = Harris County.
Q: How can we create a cluster map using different colors? For example, from red to blue based on the amount of counts?
Choose the layer, select the Change Style tool on the Contents toolbar at the far right of the screen, and choose which field contains the numeric or text data you want to vary color by. Map Viewer will suggest some map styles to suit that numeric or text field. Choose the one that applies color based on the field's values. Turn Clustering on and it will automatically color the cluster based on the features inside the cluster. See this StoryMap for specifics.
Q: Does the joins feature exist for ArcGIS Online?
Yes, it is already available in Map Viewer Classic and will be made available in Map Viewer soon.
Q: Can we expect Automatic (Scheduled) Field calculations at the feature layer level - anytime soon in ArcGIS Online?
ArcGIS Notebooks can be scheduled and customized to accommodate recurring and automated ETL workflows. Here is a link to help you get started.
Q: Are these features included in ArcGIS Portal?
ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise are closely aligned. In general, they are comparable products. If there are specific features you'd like to compare, you can contact your Account Manager or post a question on our forums.
Exporting and Sharing
Q: Is it possible to share Map Viewer maps with users outside my organization?
Aside from visualizing your data and making maps, ArcGIS Online is a sharing platform. There are multiple options to help you share your maps, content, data, and layers. See this documentation article that shows how you can share maps you created in Map Viewer with your organization, specific groups, or the public. You may also share your maps and data using our app builders or through various collaboration capabilities in ArcGIS Online.
Q: How can you export these maps?
We highly encourage sharing your map's direct link or URL. However, you can also export and print your maps. You can do this through print-to-paper or print/export to a variety of image files (pdf, jpeg, etc.).
Q: Is there an option to allow users to add information on the shared maps?
You can share a map that has an editable layer. This will allow the end user to add, update, or delete features on the map.
Q: Does a map shared through ArcGIS Instant Apps have the same functionality as sharing a map directly from Map Viewer?
All the capabilities of the web map are "passed through" to any Instant App that uses it. When you author a popup or set up labels in Map Viewer, those things are automatically picked up by all apps that use your web map. Sharing the map directly from Map Viewer would put your user directly into the Map Viewer with all its tools and capabilities. For most audiences, this is overkill. An Instant App adds value by reducing the number of tools and buttons and options to only those needed to accomplish a narrow set of capabilities. That helps your user focus on just those things you want them to be able to do, like Locate the Nearest Shelter.
Q: Do you have to be a publisher to share your map on the web?
There are several User Types that have the ability to create and share web maps. Visit this link for additional details on which User Types are applicable for your workflows.
Q: Will there be more flexibility in ArcGIS Online when people switch organizations to access their work at their old organization?
Each ArcGIS Online organization has Administrators who choose how or if the content is shared with other ArcGIS Online organizations. In order to access your previous work from another organization, that organization's Administrator would need to authorize that access with an ArcGIS Online Collaboration with your current employer's organization, or by allowing you to continue using your login.