What to do with basemap URLs coming from HTTP sources?

[MarkGallant613]

Over the next few months, web browsers will begin to flag content coming from HTTP sources as insecure more prominently. On ArcGIS Online, I have over 20 web apps that feature basemaps constructed from vector tiles hosted by Stamen MapStack that begin with HTTP and not HTTPS. Here’s an example:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=033d0896fb06446d8151c4b469fd4b33

I’ve contacted Stamen directly and switching their MapStack URLs over to HTTPS isn’t in their plans for now, but they did log it as an issue on GitHub:

https://github.com/stamen/maps.stamen.com/issues/101

I would like to keep using my basemaps that feature MapStack URLs because of the look and feel they bring to my apps. However, if I am forced to substitute these basemaps with ones constructed on AGOL, I think Esri could host some similar layers (if not the exact same layers?) that would help me achieve the same look and feel – i.e. solid one-color polygons covering the whole world, different textures, different monochrome patterns, etc.

I am aware of some of the custom basemaps that have been prepared by Esri – i.e. Merry Christmas, Colored Pencil, Newspaper, etc. – and I also use the Esri UK MapStyler application on occasion. However, I think AGOL is lacking some simple layers that could add a lot of variety when constructing basemaps. I guess another option would be to build some sort of basemap customizer wizard application like MapStack.

I would like some advice from Esri and/or a continuation of this discussion with the right Esri staff members who could make some of these things a reality?

Thanks!

[MatthewLofgren]

There is this tutorial to make customized vector base maps https://arcgis-content.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=a74a8b251f6141fa9561041d36ea56e... 

I've used the editor here Vector Basemap Style Editor 

[MarkGallant613]

Thanks - I have seen that tutorial before but I guess more simply put what I'm asking for is for Esri to host ready-made layers as opposed to me composing my own vector tiles in ArcGIS Pro - a task not available to be as I am using a free AGOL public account, not a full-blown ArcGIS Desktop with AGOL organizational account.

[KellyGerrow]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your feedback. Currently we don't have the specific map that you are requesting created. I have passed along the feedback and we will discuss it.

Vector tiles provide functionality to change the style of the basemap, without needing to publish your own tiles. ArcGIS Pro is not required to change the style of these basemaps. If you are looking for an immediate solution try your hand at editing an existing basemap with the resources above.

Also, I encourage you to log ideas about basemap styles you would like to see on ArcGIS Ideas‌. We constantly check this site for new ideas so please let us know what would be useful to you in regards to basemap styles.

Additionally, although browsers are flagging http content, ArcGIS Online encourages you to move to https, but will support http and https. The best practice will be to move to https eventually so starting to plan for this move is essential, but ArcGIS Online won't prevent you from connecting to http urls unless you enable a specific security setting.

Configure security settings—ArcGIS Online Help | ArcGIS 

-Kelly

[MarkGallant613 · Accepted solution]

Esri has now released the ArcGIS Vector Tile Style Editor:

Design custom basemaps with the new ArcGIS Vector Tile Style Editor

At first glance, this editor application is what I was trying to describe, in terms of a "basemap customizer wizard application." However, I would still be an advocate of adding some texture-based fill and solid colour layers - like you can on Stamen MapStack - in order to achieve some of the styles I was able to produce on my HTTP-only basemaps. I will be looking forward to giving this application a try and I will post any findings related to how the resulting basemaps perform in my story maps.

Thanks!

[KellyGerrow]

Thanks Mark!

Let us know what you create!