Chapter 1:
Chapter 1 provides an overview of the ArcGIS Online platform. Readers learn from behind the scenes what WebGIS (in which ArcGIS falls) offers its users many benefits. These include ease of use and maintenance, cross-platform capabilities, low-cost, scalable cloud technology, and global sharing. These are the reasons why everyday people to government agencies use it. It has evolved from a one-way (information) flow closed website. To the modern age of portal technology, cloud services, 3d/virtual maps, and spatiotemporal data. Connects with newer, two-way open geospatial web services. It contains various content types: data, layers, web maps and scenes/tools, and apps.
The book’s first tutorial guides the user in creating a Web GIS app. Taking the fundamentals and puts them into practice. Requiring them to publish a hosted feature from provided data. Adding and altering layers, as well as attributes. Finally, taking what they entered or created and making an instant or regular web app with it.
Application: Creating a map of Columbus’ Arena District. The map would contain various points of interest like restaurants, hotels, apartments, and arena buildings. Attributes would include the building name, description, service hours (if applicable), address, longitude, and latitude.
Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 discusses smart mapping and storytelling with GIS. It explains why they’re important and how to use them. Readers learn about the various types of feature layers that fall under two main categories: hosted layers and hosted feature layers. These layers in question have to be styled in a way in order to show off the bigger picture (messaging and patterns). Smart mapping plays a role by using data visualization, symbols, and colors to present geospatial patterns. Examples of these styles include heat maps, predominant, continuous timelines, and vector fields. Readers will also learn about the purposes of pop-ups, ArcGIS Arcade Living Atlas, and StoryMaps.
The next tutorial in the book guides users on creating a Web GIS app. Using data to represent spatial patterns. Requiring them to create feature layers using geocoding. Configuring layers with smart mapping styles and layer pop-ups (using ArcGIS Arcade). Using available information to insert charts and images into layer pop-ups. Finally, interacting with swipe blocks and express maps on StoryMaps.
Application: Creating a map that compares vegetation coverage of Delaware County. Using today’s data and contrasting that with data from a century ago. The StoryMap would explain details about the types of vegetation in the area. It would also explain why these changes occur and what actions should be taken.