GIS Specialist
Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information
ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online
Includes multiple examples of ArcGIS Online across industries and disciplines
Description: Online mapping platform for creation of web maps, and web map applications
Pros: User friendly interface, linkages to media, inclusion of own features, markers, and map elements, search-ability of ESRI and user-created/organizational created layers to include in map products, shareability, description and summary information for details/context of map purpose, contact, and use limitations, multiple file formats supported
Cons: For the inclusion of own spatial data requires preparation, Analysis features are available in subscription, geocoding available with subscription, support for map images as tile layers in subscription
Accounts: Free/Subscription
Penn State ArcGIS Online Account: This Penn State ArcGIS Online Account is available to all with a Penn State login. Authenticate to this account with your Penn State credentials.
- ArcGIS Online GuideArcGIS Online Guide with instructions on web map and application creation; and additional ArcGIS Online products.
- ArcGIS OnlineMake a Map, ArcGIS for Developers, Discover Lessons, and more.
- ArcGIS Online GalleryIncludes multiple examples of ArcGIS Online across industries and disciplines
- ArcGIS Online HelpIncludes searchable help information on ArcGIS Online topics.
- ForumsSearchable content of questions asked by users and responses.
- Learn ArcGIS, Getting Started with ArcGIS OnlineProvides exercise for using ArcGIS online and its functionality.
- ReferenceRefers to the new information with each update of ArcGIS Online.
- Frequently Asked QuestionsCompiled list of commonly asked questions about ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Online Accounts.
- Video: ArcGIS.com: Searching for ContentVideo demonstrates how to search for content in ArcGIS Online, such as those created from ESRI, users, or other organizations.
- Supported File FormatsSupports multiple formats
Carto
About Carto
Description: Web-based platform for visualizations
Pros: Supports multiple formats; supports custom modification of symbology; geocoding; Joining attributes; sharing capabilities.
Cons: Advanced features may be in paid account, such as connections to other web-based products, such as Twitter; custom projections in advanced features; Requires knowledge of data format structures and data preparation; References to SQL and CartoCSS has a learning curve
Account: Free/paid
- CartoCarto transforms layers of geospatial information into data-driven maps that enable analysis and visual discovery of trends and patterns to make better, faster decisions.
- Carto Map GalleryGallery created using Carto.
- Video: CartoProvides an overview of creating maps with Carto
- BlogIncludes blog-style entries showing examples of Carto
- CARTO AcademyThe Carto site includes lessons, documentation, and videos to demonstrate to the user how CartoDB can be used to meet their mapping needs.
- CARTO guidesHelpful reference, tutorial, and instructional information on Carto features
Mapbox
Description: Web-mapping platform for developers
Pros: Primarily supports vector data, Mapbox studio is used for additional customization, custom basemaps and basemap styles are possible (such as changing the color and width of basemap street lines)
Cons: Limited file formats supported, analysis and manipulation of data files is not a primary purpose of Mapbox
- How web maps workProvides an overview of how web maps work in Mapbox with a discussion of tiles and zoom levels.
- Help and GuidesIncludes a search box to identify materials on the Mapbox site for the topic, such as designing a map, working with data and imagery, and analysis.
- Design a MapProvides instructional contect on designing a map in Mapbox.
- CartogramAbility to style a map based on image color scheme