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Priddy Library Workshops: ArcGIS Online & StoryMaps

What is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information System. A GIS is a computer system for the management, analysis, and display of geographic data.

Benefits of an Online Map

Online maps are dynamic!  What makes them so great?

  • You can ask it questions—can’t do that with paper maps
  • You can do analysis and comparisons, either spatial or temporal
  • Easy layering
  • Easy projection and changes of projection
  • Change scale, features, colors, symbols and the way data is classified

Steps to Creating a StoryMap

The following steps are adapted form Esri's StoryMaps website. For more details visit this website: https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-storymaps/resources.

  1. Start by planning
  2. Craft your narrative
  3. Add your map(s)
  4. Refine the design
  5. Share your story

Data Sources

GIS data can come from many different sources including the following:

  • Governments (federal, state, local, international) - might be free, might require purchase and licensing.

 

  • Libraries - have geospatial data on CD or in an online repository.  They also have paper and/or online map collections.

 

  • Commercial data providers - will sell you GIS data.

 

  • Organizations - are creating GIS data, and might be willing to share.

 

  • You - can create your own GIS data.

This GIS & Data subject guide list various data sources.