ArcGIS Online public accounts - getting started

[BernSzukalski]

For those new to ArcGIS Online public accounts, you might have a few questions. Here are some FAQs with links to additional resources to help get you going. 

What is an ArcGIS public account?

An ArcGIS public account is a free account that is available for individuals to create and share content with limits on usage. This free, limited-functionality account gives you permanent access to create and share basic maps. It's intended for personal, non-commercial use.

Using a public account, you can:

• Create, store, and manage maps, scenes, layers, apps, and other geospatial content.
• Share content with others.
• Access content shared by Esri and GIS users around the world.

How do I create a public account?

Navigate to the Create an ArcGIS Account home and click Create an ArcGIS Public Account.

Create an ArcGIS Public Account

In addition to using email, you can create an ArcGIS public account using your GitHub, Facebook, Google, or Apple login. 

What are the different types of ArcGIS accounts, and what is the difference?

There are three types of ArcGIS accounts; public, developer, and subscription. 

More information

Where can I get help or learn more?

When you sign in to your public account, you'll see a home page with links to resources to help you get started. The first row of resources steps you through the basics of creating maps, scenes, apps, and stories.

The second collection of resources delivers links to general GIS questions, tutorials. ArcGIS Living Atlas, and this community place.

[EngoboMambe]

ArcGIS and Esri  are great online tools. I like the fact that they give clients the possibility to "make maps, analyze data,  share and collaborate." 

[MichaelNathan]

Greetings.

I am new to GIS and I have created an ArcGIS Online public account.

I have added a new item content (map layer) from a URL and the type is ArcGIS Server web service.

I can view this “imported” map

I select “Show Table” and all the data is viewable

How can I export this table to Excel on my laptop hard disk?

I wish to copy it from the hard disk to my  pendrive and send it to my friend who is using AcsGIS Pro.

My ArcGIS Online public account does not have the export feature

I would appreciate your assistance.

Best regards,

Michael

[CraigODonnell]

I have created a public account to create a test map.

However, when I follow the instructions, I can't get to Map Viewer because there is no App Launcher on my screen and nothing I have found that explains what to do in this situation.

[AdenaSchutzberg1]

@CraigODonnell 

Once you are signed in to ArcGIS with your public account, to access Map Viewer, click Map from the ribbon.

[BernSzukalski]

If you are new to making maps, you can also follow the Make a map help tutorial to help you get started as well. You'll find that on your home page.

[CraigODonnell]

OK, great. I am now oriented.

You realize the tutorial refers to an "App Launcher" icon that's not there, and does not mention the "ribbon"?

I plead ignorance of what was meant by a "ribbon" and was looking for something across the left or bottom. But I see it's what I'd have called a "menu bar" up top.

[AdenaSchutzberg1]

Hello Craig,

Can you tell us the URL of the instructions that pointed you to an app launcher? We'll do our best to make things more clear.

Thanks!

[CraigODonnell]

Refers to a grid icon.

https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/get-started/view-maps-mv.htm#ESRI_SECTION1_9F33B86433FC45BD8...

[RobertoRossi]

Hi @CraigODonnell

the grid Icon  is available only with Organization Account and gives you access also to MapViewer, in Addition to several Apps.

Maybe there could be a specific Help guide referring for ArcGIS Online public accounts (I don't know if there is one available already)...

Roberto

[MelissaMumm]

Hello! While I have extensive experience utilizing GIS layers and data on maps. I am new to actually creating maps. Using the ArcGIS free online is there a way to isolate and only show a specific county or town? 

[AdenaSchutzberg1]

Hello Melissa,

One way is to use a filter to limit the features drawn on your map. See the documentation here: https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/create-maps/apply-filters-mv.htm

Adena

[RofiqNH]

Editing data maps 

[BernSzukalski]

You can publish and modify maps, which can be shared publicly or kept private. Editing data in a layer in Map Viewer is not possible with a public account. That said, with the upcoming June update to ArcGIS Online (June 25) a new Instant App is introduced named "Web Editor" which provides a more focused way to offer editing capabilities to members of your organization, or depending on how the editable layer is configured, to a wider audience, in a similar way to how Survey123 and other mobile apps can be used to edit content, without needing to be a member of the organization.

Other alternatives are to get the personal use license ($100/yr subscription) which includes all capabilities. If a non-profit or conservation focused organization, Esri has programs for both that offer reduced costs to get going with the full-blown capabilities.

Esri nonprofit program

Esri Conservation Grant Program (ECP)

[SDGkenya25]

I am so very thankful to ESRI staff for helping me navigate to Public Accounts and this link.  FIVE 40 foot container filled by Books for Africa has arrived in the Port of Mombasa.  4 of the containers are being delivered to Machakos, Kenya and one container will continue onward to Bomet County.   It's all about providing resources for reading to rural communities in Kenya.  Safina Empowerment Safina Development Organization - Bomet County, Kenya  is seeking mappers - as it our container we have several reconditioned computers we will be upgrading and plan to work with students in Bomet Public Schools introducing them to ESRI software and tools, and helping them to build their skill sets in mapping and spatial analysis.   We are seeking volunteers and mentors to guide their work, helping them prepare story maps of their worlds.    Interested contact Safina directly.

[KarenFolger]

I'm a retired GIS Professional who just wants to make maps now and then of recreational things. Bike rides, etc. But I have been unable to add shapefiles to the new Map Viewer. I was able to use Classic for this until that retired too. All the documentation seems to say that you can add a zipped shapefile to Map Viewer but it keeps saying it's an invalid file type. Sure, I can convert the shape to a KML, but KML's are messy in Viewer. I have a bunch of zipped shapefiles I was going to add but am now at a standstill.

[BernSzukalski]

With Map Viewer, file-based content must be published as hosted feature layers to use in your map.

The free public account does not support publishing, so you can't create new layers from shapefiles, CSV files, etc.

If you need those capabilities, then the personal use license for $100/year, which also provides access to all Esri software, would be worthwhile exploring.

https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-for-personal-use/buy

It comes with 200 credits, which should be sufficient for modest publishing. Storage does accrue credit costs, so you'll want to economize by deleting the shapefiles and archiving them elsewhere once you publish your hosted feature layers.