ArcGIS Online (AGOL) is a cloud based suite of GIS tools that run in your browser and facilitate web map creation and publishing. Washington University students, faculty, and staff may use their active WUSTL Key credentials to open an account in the WU AGOL Organization in order to create and share interactive online maps (see this page for instructions). This LibGuide compiles resources and tutorial material to help you learn to effectively utilize this platform. The best guidance for using AGOL for map creation comes from ESRI documentation and the user community.
Keep in mind, AGOL is regularly updated to add new functionality. You may notice changes in appearance and behavior when you next login; the ArcGIS Online Blog is a great place to learn about new features and functions. See the Online Training Resources tab for links to more traditional in-depth training courses.
There are two main functions in AGOL that are in common use at Washington University:
This page includes step by step examples for adding data to your maps. You can bring in public data from the ArcGIS Online collection that has been shared by AGOL users. You can also add data from a web service if the provider has published an appropriate service link..
This example covers adding the WashU Campus Basemap to your map, but the workflow applies to adding any layer from AGOL.
1.In the Map Viewer window, click the Add button and Search for Layers.
2.Click the My Content drop down and select ArcGIS Online.
3. In the Search for layer search bar, type "WUSTL Campus Basemap."
4. Select the layer called "CampusBasemap" by "wustladm." Click the plus sign in the lower right corner to add the layer to your map. Click the back arrow in the upper right corner of the layer selection pane to hide it. The WashU Campus Basemap appears in your map window and the layer name is added to the Content pane.
This example covers adding a layer from the WashU web feature service collection, but the workflow applies to adding any web feature service hosted by ArcGIS Server. For more information on web services and including them in AGOL, see the ArcGIS Server web services help page.
1. In a web browser, navigate to the WashU web feature services collection directory. Click through the categories to find the web feature service that you would like to add to your map. This example will cover adding the Libraries points from the Places of Interest Group. Once you have located the web service for the features you would like to add to your map, copy the service URL to your computer's clipboard. You will need it in the next steps.
2. In the Map Viewer window, click the Add button and Search for Layers.
3.Click the My Content drop down and select Add Layer from Web.
4. In the Add Layer from Web window, make sure the "What type of data are you referencing?" drop down is set to "An ArcGIS Server Web Service." Paste the URL from your clipboard into the URL text box. The "Add Layer" button will activate. Click "Add Layer."
5. A points layer representing the WashU Libraries locations has been added to your map. The layer name also appears in the Content pane.
ArcGIS Online enables browser based access to spatial analysis functions that have traditionally been available only in desktop applications. The range of functions and associated options are limited compared to desktop software but the possibilities are expanding and many users will find the tools they need. This AGOL function is called Map Viewer.
Some analysis functions consume AGOL credits and users should be aware of their balance and the requirements for analysis operations they plan to carryout. Analysis tools will typically include a link to WashU AGOL Organization members are allocated 200 credits upon account initiation; additional credits can be requested by contacting Data Services.
These resources provide brief examples of analysis operations:
This is a companion page for the "Getting to Know the WashU Libraries" Storymapping Workshop and provides supporting information, links to content, and additional resources. This session demonstrates the process for creating a Storymap using the ArcGIS Online platform and the steps are detailed in this document. The ArcGIS Online platform works best in the Chrome or Firefox browsers; see this page if you do not already have an account.
