Intro to Cloud Mapping and Story Maps

Introduction

This session introduces you ArcGIS Online, a collaborative web GIS platform that allows you to use, create, and share maps, 3D models, GIS apps, layers, analytics and GIS data. With ArcGIS Online you get access to Esri's secure cloud, where not only you can add your data and publish it online, but you also get access to ready-to-use maps, data and template apps.

With the Coronavirus crisis these days more of us are paying attention to the interconnectedness of countries and regions around the globe. The changes triggered by social, financial, public health, and political issues no longer stay within the political and geographic boundaries. The lines between these localities become more and more blurry. In such a time of rapid changes and speedy transformations, having a look at the bigger picture and being able to visualize, percieve, and analyze the issues in their global and local context becomes further critical.

Goals

In this session we will cover the following topics:

- Accessing ArcGIS Online with your Clemson ID

- Creating basic web maps with ArcGIS Online

- Embedding interactive maps into your website

- Creating a story map

Accessing Cloud Mapping at Clemson

GIS platform at Clemson includes everything you need to create your own maps by accessing a gallery of basemaps, adding your own layers, and configuring mashups that you can share with others, embed in your own website, or incorporate into useful applications and story maps. To do all that, you first need to log into this platform. Follow the instructions below to enter the magical world of GIS:

    • Go to arcgis.com and click Sign in. You will see the window below (#1).

    • Click on "Enterprise Login" (#1).

    • You will be asked to Enter your ArcGIS organization's URL. Type clemson in the box and click Continue (#2).

    • Click on the blue box that says "Clemson University" (#3).

    • Log in using your standard Clemson username and password (#4).

ArcGIS Online Basics

Once you are signed in, you should see your name on the right corner. Go to Map at the top of the page and click on it. The page will open to a default map showing North America.

Basemaps

When this new map opens, you will notice it is not empty. A basemap is shown, which is a foundational layer that can be displayed with a variety of other data. These have different styles, such as political maps, street maps, aerial and satellite imagery, or thematic maps.

    • In the upper left section, click the Basemap button and select a new basemap. Try a few different styles, such as Imagery with Labels, Dark Gray Canvas, and Streets.

Navigation

Practice zooming in and out using the roller button in your mouse. Zoom in to a particular location to examine the level of detail available in each basemap.

Finding addresses

You have a search box to quickly find places and zoom to particular regions. In the search box on the top right, type Clemson. Click on the first suggestion and it will zoom to the Clemson region. Try looking up 2 more places of your choice.

Adding data to your map

In this section, we will learn how to add layers to our map from sources such as ArcGIS Living Atlas.

Living Atlas

ArcGIS Living Atlas is a rich collection of geographic information from around the globe. It includes maps, apps, and data layers to support your work. It has a wealth of data from many trusted sources such as NOAA, USGS, and Esri, that can be used on their own, combined with other Living Atlas items, or with your own data to complete visualization and analysis tasks. Let's search for some data in the Living Atlas.

  • On the top left section, click on Add. From the dropdown, click on Browse Living Atlas Layers (#1)

  • In the Living Atlas tab, search USA health care. Click in the first layer in the search result below: 2019 USA Health Care Spending (#2).

A panel opens on the right. In this panel, you can see the metadata of this layer. Metadata is information that describes an item. Item details include the title, the type, and the source, author, last modified date, thumbnail, and tags. It can also include additional information such as a summary and description, how accurate and recent the item is, restrictions associated with using and sharing the item, credits, and so on. This information can help others discover and validate the usefulness of the items.

  • Now, click on Add to Map (#3). Zoom out until you can see the entire United States.

  • Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the map.

  • Click on any county of your choice. What information do you see in the pop-up?

Now, let's remove this layer.

    • Click on Details (#1)

    • Click on Content (#2)

    • Under the 2019 USA Health Care Spending, click on the three dots (#3)

    • Click on Remove (#4)

Coronavirus Outbreak

Now, let's look for data related to the issue we are currently facing: the Coronavirus.

On the top left section, click on Add. From the dropdown, click on Browse Living Atlas Layers (#1)

  • In the Living Atlas tab, search Coronavirus COVID-19 cases. Click in the first layer in the search result below: 2019 USA Health Care Spending (#2).

As you saw in the previous step, a panel opens on the right. In this panel, you can see the metadata of this layer. Scroll down on the metadata panel to learn more about this dataset (#3)

  • Now, click on Add to Map (#4). Zoom out until you can see the entire United States.

Exercise on your own

Find meal distribution places dataset from ArcGIS Online. You will need to follow the steps in the picture to find data in ArcGIS Online.

In the search tab, type meal distribution places.

Cartography

Consider the value and purpose of cartography as science and art. In this section, you will learn how to symbolize your data and use color to affect your map and story.

Changing layer’s symbology

Customizing pop-up window

Saving and Sharing your Interactive Map

Saving and sharing your interactive map consists of two parts: saving, and then sharing your map.

Saving your map

To share your map, you first need to save it. Above the center of the map, click Save. Follow these settings:

    • Title: Coronavirus COVID-19 Cases by **YOUR NAME**

    • Tags: COVID-19, Coronavirus

    • Summary: A map of the most up-to-date COVID-19 cases and latest trend plot across the world

  • Click on SAVE MAP.

Now, click on a place of your choice. What do you see?

Basemap

In the upper left section, click the Basemap button and select Dark Gray Canvas.

Exercise on your own

With a crisis like Coronavirus pandemic, the digital divide between the communities becomes more apparent. Many students' main access to the internet and meals was through schools. With the school closures across the states, some school districts have meals and WiFi distribution centers. Create another map that uses the meal and WiFi distribution places in Oconee County.

Sharing your map

Now that you saved your map, you can share it.

    • Next to the Save button, click Share.

    • In the new window that appears, check the box to share with Everyone (public).

    • Notice that you can share the short link to the map. Anyone visiting the URL will be able to view the data in your map. Click on DONE.

Specify a title, tags, and a summary for the new web app as below:

Title: Coronavirus COVID-19 Cases by **YOUR NAME**

Tags: COVID-19, Coronavirus

Summary: A story map of COVID-19 cases and latest trend plot across the world

Save in folder: navigate to the directory you want to save the story map.

Make sure the box next to Share this app in the same way as the map (Everyone, Clemson University) is checked. Then click on DONE.

Creating A Story Map

Story Maps are web applications that allow you to combine the functionality of interactive maps with multimedia content (photos, videos, audio, timelines) into one unique app. They are templates of code ready to consume your web maps and online content. You can view examples here: http://storymaps.arcgis.com/en/app-list/

Some examples to spark your creativity can be found at the links below. These are great uses of multimedia and mapping which draw in the user! They also demonstrate some of the different layouts and functionality available through various templates.

The map you created in the last section will be a part of the story map. Go to Share at the top of the page and click on it (if you already closed the map, go to Content at the top of the page and click on it. You should see the maps you created under your content).

In the Share pop-up window, click on CREATE A WEB APP. Now, click on Configurable Apps, click on Build a Story Map, and choose Story Map Cascade.

Story outline

To tell a story, you first need to have a storyline! Think about what you want your audience to get from your story. How you want to draw them into reading more and scrolling down once they opened your story.

Landing page

One of the most critical points of your story map is how you start your narrative; your landing page! This is when your audience decides whether they want to continue with your story or not. Therefore, it is very important to choose titles and graphics that are intriguing and interesting. Now, let's start the story.

Remove your name and COVID-19 from the title of your story map(#1). Click on Add your image or video(#2). Now, search for videos about Coronavirus. You can open YouTube and type Coronavirus Vox in the search bar. We have chosen this video for this assignment. Video URL: https://youtu.be/B4Z1SxRkVVs?t=7

Click on Link to Content (#3). Under Link to an image or video on the web, copy and paste the video URL in the box. Click on the checkmark.

section 2: South Carolina map

Adding story map sections

section 1: Worldwide map

In this section of our story, we will show the worldwide spread of the Coronavirus. That is the first map you created--which is automatically the first section after your landing page. If that is not the case (maybe you started your story map based on a different map), then follow the steps below to change the map.

Click on the plus sign to add a section. Click on Title.

In the Title box, type "Coronavirus Cases In South Carolina"

Click on Add Media to change the background of your title. Here, we will choose a simple black jpeg file as the background. To find this background, open a browser and search for "black background". You can also use this photo from our search result. Download the photo on your computer.

Now, click on the plus sign again and add a Narrative section and copy and paste the text below:

"This map shows the spread of the Coronavirus in South Carolina in each county. Click on the points to see the statistics related to each county."

Click on the plus sign again and add a Media section. Navigate to ArcGIS>My Content and click on the map of Coronavirus cases in South Carolina.

section 3: Oconee county

Now, let's add another section. Click on the plus sign. This time we will add an Immersive section.

In the box that says Enter a title, type: Oconee County Meals and WiFi Distribution Centers

In the floating box where it says Continue your story here... copy and paste the text below:

"With a crisis like Coronavirus pandemic, the digital divide between the communities becomes more apparent. Many students' main access to the internet and meals was through schools. With the school closures across the states, some school districts have meals and WiFi distribution centers. This map shows these distribution centers."

Click on Add media and navigate to ArcGIS>My Content and choose Oconee County Meals and WiFi Distribution Centers map.

Configuring your story map

This section covers things like the header, logo, and social media links.

On the top left corner of your screen, click on the wheel to change your settings.

Press the pencil on the Logo section under Logo & Sharing.

Paste the following text under Link to Content: https://www.clemson.edu/brand/resources/logos/paw/orange.png

Logo link: www.clemson.edu

Tagline: Your name or Clemson University, or CCGT Workshops (your preference)

Click apply.

Sharing your story map

Your story map is private by default. In the top menu on the left, click the Earth button to make it public. Click the Share button on the top right corner to get the link you can share with others.