A geographic information system (GIS) is a conceptualized framework that can capture and analyze spatial and geographic data. GIS applications are computer-based systems that enable users to create, store and edit spatial and non-spatial data, analyze the spatial information output, and visually share these results via maps.

If you experience issues with GIS, you may refer to the additional documentation or contact the ITS help desk at 909-621-8061 or servicedesk@pomona.edu. 

Getting Started with the ArcGIS Online

1. Go to https://claremont.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html  
2. Select “Sign in” in the upper right-hand corner 
3. Log in using the Central Authentication Service 
4. On the top menu, select “Map”

The Basics 

1. Use the “+” and  “-“ buttons on the side of the map to orient yourself as you center your map. Users may also search an area by its name or address using the search box on the upper-right-hand side. There is also a button to locate your exact location (below the “-“ button). 
2. To select a template to begin building with, select “BaseMap.” 

Adding Map Notes 

1. To add map notes that users can then select for more information, click the “Add” button at the top. 
2. From the drop-down menu that appears, select “Add Map Notes.” 
3. Users can then select a type of pin to use
4.  Users will then select an area on the map to place the pin. At this point, users can input information (a title and description) and media (an image) for this selected location. 
5. Users can add text to their map by selecting “Text” underneath “Map Notes – Text.” 
6. Users can also highlight areas by drawing figures or drawing areas using freehand. These options are underneath “Map Notes – Lines” and “Map Notes – Areas.” 
7. To delete any portion of the map notes created, select on the pin or area drawn and select “Delete.” 

Adding Layers 

 Layers are the contents of a map. They include a wide range of information about people, the earth, life, and so on, and are composed of imagery, tiles, features, and more. Different types of layers will have different requirements for adding them. 

1. Select the “Add” button at the top 
2. Users can then select “Add Layer from the Web,” “Add Layer from File,” or in rare cases “Browse Living Atlas Layers.” 

The following table explains the different layer types available, as well as how to add them. 

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Search for Layers 

1. Click the “Add” button at the top 
2. From the drop-down menu that appears, select “Search for layers” 
3. Users can choose where to search for layers (My Content, My Favorites, My Groups, My Organization, Living Atlas, or ArcGIS online) by selecting the drop-down menu at the top. It will likely initially say “My Content.” 
4. Users can also simply input keywords into the search box. 
5. Finally, to see important details about a layer, click on its title. 
6. To add a layer to the map, click the “+” button that will appear on the side of the desired layer. 
7. To remove a layer from your map, simply click on the map’s title again and then “Remove from Map.”