Step 1: Create a web map in ArcGIS Online

This is Step 1 of 5 to set up your MapBuilder map.

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In this tutorial you will learn:

  • What is a web map?
  • What functionalities does a web map have?
  • How will this web map integrate with your MapBuilder map?
  • How do you create your own web map in ArcGIS Online?

To start this tutorial, you need:

This tutorial is also available on video

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About the web maps on ArcGIS Online

A web map is an interactive display of geographic information organized as layers. Some of its features include: adding your data, navigation tools to pan and zoom, styling options, and sharing settings. This web map is the basis for building your own MapBuilder map.

Here is an example of a web map before being upgraded to a MapBuilder map:

Create a web map in ArcGIS Online

1. Go to Map Viewer Classic in ArcGIS Online

  • Navigate to ArcGIS Online and log in.
  • Make sure to sign in so that you can save your map.
  • Click Map on the top menu. You will be brought to a default web map that you can customize.
  • Make sure you are looking at Map Viewer Classic. If you see the new version of Map Viewer, which has a dark gray vertical toolbar on the left side of the screen, click on the "Open in Map Viewer Classic" button in the top right of you screen.

These tutorials use ArcGIs Online Map Viewer "Classic"

ArcGIS Online has two versions of the Map Viewer—a new version and a "Classic" version. These tutorials will use the Classic version.

2. Save your web map

  • After you confirm that you are using the new Map Viewer Classic, click on the Save button in the top tool bar to open the save menu.
  • Click on the Save as button.
  • Enter a title for your map and click Save map.

3. (Optional) Make your web map publicly accessible

By default, your map is not publicly accessible. You will not be able to share it with others and you must be signed in to your ArcGIS Online account to view it. If you would like to change this to allow anyone to view the map:

  • Click on the Share button in the top tool bar to open the share settings
  • Select Everyone (public) option
  • Click the Done button.

You will add data to the map in a future tutorial

In this tutorial, you created an empty web map without any data. In a later tutorial, you will add your own data to this web map so that it appears in your MapBuilder application. This is the simplest way to learn about MapBuilder.

You have now completed Step 1 of 5 for creating your own MapBuilder map. Please do not close the web map tab as you will need it in the following steps. If you closed it by mistake during the process, click here.

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Proceed to Step 2 - Create a MapBuilder application in ArcGIS Online