Sheela Bhongir
GEOG 406
Lab 10
1. What is ArcGISOnline? Briefly summarize.
ArcGISOnline is a Web-based application providing a central repository of map resources. Users can easily share resources and publish their findings online for other GIS users. Anyone can use this web-based system to access resources such as maps, services and other tasks. Users have access to programming interfaces and API’s. ArcGISOnline serves as a common platform to discover, create and share data. Users can take advantage of ArcGISOnline as an organizational tool for maps and tasks.
2. What are the benefits of ArcGIS Online?
ArcGIS Online allows for centralized access to geographic information know as “cloud” storage – a number of ArcGIS Server machines hosting services across the internet. These clouds store the information. Arc GIS requires no installation and builds a network of similar GIS users to share information.
3. What data types can you share through ArcGIS Online?
You can share map files (maps created in ArcMap), ArcGIS layer files (files which reference spatial data), ArcGIS Explorer tools (files which can be uploaded and shared), ArcGIS Server Web services (files hosted on the ArcGIS Server) and Web mapping applications.
4. Who can use ArcGIS Online?
ArcGIS is a member based service, however anyone can search and use items on ArcGIS without signing up to be a member. If you are a member then you can not only search and use items, but upload and share content, control access to the items you’ve shared and create, join or share content with groups.
5. Why search for and/or join a ‘group’ in ArcGIS Online?
It’s beneficial to join groups in order to take advantage of the content being shared to the group. However, if you can’t find a group that does not fit your interest you can always start your own group. Groups are excellent resources to encourage collaboration and easily provide the same resources to all the group members.
6. What is a “layer package”? Why use a layer package?
A layer package is a .LPK file which contains data and cartography created using the ArcGIS Desktop. This file can be easily shared via email, over the network, burned to a CD and uploaded to ArcGIS online. These files don’t require one to zip up geodatabases, layer files and other data associated with your map document. Layer packages are a new addition and are available with the ArcGIS Desktop 9.3.1. Layer files are used to upload content to ArcGIS Online. You can edit and add additional details to these files such as a summary information, descriptions and specify the access and use constraints. Moreover you can share this with everyone.
7. Which ESRI software products (client applications) can you use to view layer
packages?
To view layer packages you use ArcMap and ArcGlobe.
8. What is an “ArcGIS Server Web Service”?
An ArcGIS Server are maps or tasks hosted on the internet which include, for example, ESRI maps, user maps and commercial and/or authoritative data providers. These services are first created in ArcGIS Desktop and then served using ArcGIS Server which allows for these services to be used by a clients across the Internet.
9. Where does the data for “Web Maps” come from?
The data, such as basemap and operational layers, comes from other users who host services on their ArcGIS Server. Therefore you have to pick and choose which services you want to appear on your Web map. In other words, Web maps are mashups of multiple GIS services you view using a Web browser.
10. How can you access a “Web Map”?
One way to access a Web Map is to open up the URL link of a Web map which has been shared with you. You can access the link from an email or from a website.
Hand-in 1 Screen shot from ArcGIS Online Web Map
Hand-in 2 KML file
