Chapter 3:
This chapter gives an inside look into the ArcGIS Experience Builder and explains why and when to use it as opposed to using basic configurable web apps. Experience Builder allows for use of more features, choices, visual control, and flexibility of interactive web app design. Benefits of this include: making responsive web apps without writing any code, combining 2D web maps and 3D web scenes into a single view, working smoothly across desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones, and setting up actions so that different widgets can interact with each other automatically. The chapter explains the main building blocks of an app (pages, windows, templates, themes, data sources, and widgets). Pages and windows are used for structure, themes allow certain visual designs, data sources add web maps or feature layers. Widgets are split into functional tools (maps, tables, charts, dynamic text boxes, and filters) and layout tools (sections, rows, columns, and sidebars). Experience Builder comes in three editions: ArcGIS Online, Portal for ArcGIS, and Developer edition, which lets you build custom widgets.
The tutorial for this chapter explains the step by step process for making a complete web app that displays historical earthquake and hurricane data using both 2D and 3D map views. The tutorial begins with picking a template, adding 2D map and 3D scene data sources, and creating section views to allow users to switch back and forth between map views and data summaries. It demonstrates how to set up map triggers so that panning or selecting features in the 2D map updates the 3D map automatically. It also explains adding dynamic summary statistics inside of a text box, building an interactive attribute table, and configuring a widget controller to house Filter and Chart widgets. It then walks the reader through creating a multi-page web app with navigation links in the header.
Application: Creating an economic development web app for Delaware County. This app would combine 2D land maps and 3D building models. Users would be able to filter available commercial properties by acreage or zoning type using a table and chart widget, and selecting a property in the table would zoom both maps directly to that spot. It would also allow for both city planners and business owners to visualize local growth potential across different townships.
Chapter 4:
This chapter involves mobile GIS and field data collection apps. It shows how location tracking, mobile workflows, and web mapping tools are used to gather, update, and manage geographic information directly in the field. Mobile GIS makes Web GIS technology available for field workers, allowing them to record data, perform asset inspections, and track locations accurately. The chapter talks about three primary ArcGIS mobile applications: ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123, and ArcGIS QuickCapture. Field Maps uses map layouts to collect data, display smart forms, and connect to high-accuracy GPS units. Survey123 uses form surveys with smart display logic created through XLSForm design. QuickCapture uses large buttons to make capturing data quick and simple while moving in vehicles or on foot.
The tutorial in this chapter shows the reader how to set up a full field data collection workflow. It shows how to create feature layers with fixed drop down rules (domains) and subtype settings, build smart forms with required questions and dynamic visibility rules, configure offline map areas for locations that lack cell service or internet connection, and collect data on a mobile device that updates an online web dashboard being used.
Application: Creating a park asset inspection app for city maintenance workers across community parks in Delaware County. Staff working in the field would be able to use mobile devices to report damaged playground equipment, snap and upload photos, select repair priority levels from drop down menus, and send reports back to an administrative dashboard. This would allow for faster repair time, improvement of public safety, and up to date records in the parks.