Embedded Files
You can turn layers on and off in the map as needed. Note that you can't add layers to the map that aren't saved in it already.
Tap on the layer icon. You will see either checkboxes or switches to turn layers on and off. If you forgot to turn off your dog park location and drive time example layers, do so now.
In the previous exercise, you learned how to search for data layers and combine them in a map in ArcGIS Online. Now we will go a step further and use a mobile app to make notes on a map out in the field so you can make observations and record your ideas to take back into the office.
Explorer for ArcGIS is a mobile application which takes your online maps into the field for locating assets, performing inspections, and adding markup to the map to highlight specific features or regions. We will do a simple use case outside Cooper Library to find green infrastructure features, such as grassy areas, wooded areas, individual trees, and landscaping features.
1. Install the Explorer App
1. Install the Explorer App
Go to the appropriate app store for your phone: Google Play store for Android, App Store for iOS.
Search for Explorer for ArcGIS. Install onto your phone.
Make sure location services are enabled for your device.
2. Setting up the Map
In the map from the previous exercise, turn off your proposed dog park location, drive time analysis, and CAT Bus layers. Save the map.
3. The Explorer App Interface
3. The Explorer App Interface
Open the Explorer application on your phone. The interface will vary somewhat depending on your OS and your specific device (the screenshots below come from an iPad Mini). We will see how to open a map from your account and draw on it.
Open the Explorer application on your phone. The interface will vary somewhat depending on your OS and your specific device (the screenshots below come from an iPad Mini). We will see how to open a map from your account and draw on it.
Tap on Sign In and then ArcGIS Online. Follow the steps as before to log in using your Clemson ID.
On the home screen, you will see a list of maps saved to your account. There may only be one map if this is your first time in ArcGIS Online.
Tap on the name of your map to open it the map viewer.
Feature layers in the map can be inspected using Explorer. You can view a pop-up with the attribute information about features by tapping on them.
Tap on some buildings and/or parking lots to see the attribute data. Also take note that you can use the Compass feature to help you navigate to a specific feature.
Tap on the screen outside of the feature to deselect it and close the popup.
Now let's practice adding some notes to the Markup layer.
Tap on the Pencil icon to activate the editing mode. Once in editing mode, it will take dragging with two fingers to move the map.
We will start with drawing some lines.
To make a Line: drag your finger across the map. If it is approximately straight, you will see a prompt to straighten it out.
You can change the Color of the line by tapping on the colored circle and selecting a different color.
You can give a Label to the line. Think of this as the category or type associated with it.
You can type in Notes to add more contextual information about the line feature.
To remove a feature, you can tap on the garbage can icon.
Try creating a polygon area:
Drag your finger to draw the outline of an area. If the ends are fairly close, it will be recognized as a shape.
Add a Label, Notes, and customize the color as before.
Notice that you can also fill in the shape with color by tapping the paint bucket icon.
To add a point:
Either long-press on a location to add a point where you press OR click the plus sign icon ( + ) to add a point to the center of the map.
You can add Labels and Notes and customize the color as before.
Notice the Arrow icon, which can then add an arrow pointing to a location. If your map starts getting busy with lots of information, this can help spread out your notes.
Add a point to the map. Tap on the arrow button. Press and hold to select the point, then drag it to a new location.
You should now have a good understanding of how to create Markup on your map. You will go out around Cooper Library, the Watt Center, the Reflection Pond, and/or the North Green to make notes of green infrastructure.
4. Sharing Your Markup to the Cloud
The Markup layer you created is stored on your phone. To upload it to ArcGIS Online for further review and analysis, follow these steps:
Tap on the Pencil icon to enable editing mode. Then tap on the Upload icon and select Share Markup > ArcGIS Online or Share > Share to ArcGIS Online depending on your OS. (You may need to open an overflow menu to find these options).
Give the Markup layer a new, descriptive name, such as Green Infrastructure Observations by **Your Name**. Tap Save or the Checkmark depending on OS.
Go to the map you created in ArcGIS Online. Click on Add > Search for Layers. Search in your content and you should see your Markup layer. Add it to the map.
Congratulations, you are now a successful GIS user!
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