A Presentation by Clint Brown, Esri Inc

1. 12/15/2010
1
The role of maps in GIS
Technology Keynote
Clint Brown
―Mapping‖ encompasses a lot
• Traditional media
– Paper maps
– Imagery
• New media
– Web maps
– Mobile maps
– Geographic information
People have learned to use and appreciate the value of “new media” maps,
and GIS can exploit this

2. 12/15/2010
2
People use maps for many activities
To communicate and convey large amounts of information
To find patterns
Median Age
Crime

3. 12/15/2010
3
To view information over time
To derive new information using analysis
Malaria Predictions Heat map of crime
Optimizing routes

4. 12/15/2010
4
To communicate ideas, concepts, designs, …
Sarah Ellingson
To get status reports
Operational dashboards
Water utility operational dashboard
Haiti Earthquake response
BP Oil Blowout

5. 12/15/2010
5
To compile geographic information
Most GIS organizations compile and maintain information inventories (e.g., Hydrology,
Soils, Geology, Transportation, Boundaries, Parcels, etc.)
Maps are made from a series of layers
• Layers represent logical collections
(themes) of information – Roads,
Trails, Surface Elevation, Hydro, . . .
• The contents of each map are
organized as a series of layers
A map is a kind of geographic information model . . .
. . . GIS is founded on map layer concepts

6. 12/15/2010
6
There are many types of GIS map layers
Multi-scale Basemaps Features
Imagery
Derived Layers (e.g., Model Results)
Also:
• 3D layers
• Surface layers
• Etc.
Multi-scale Basemaps
Basemap layers provide a framework and context for working with other map layers
Topographic GeologyGeneral purpose city
Parcels ImageryUtilities

7. 12/15/2010
7
General Purpose City Map: Pasadena, California
Basemaps
Fused Base Map Basemap Sandwich
Reference
Overlay
Theme
Terrain
Geology
Imagery Hybrid
Topographic Basemap

8. 12/15/2010
8
Basemaps
Using map sandwiches
• Terrain underlay
Basemaps
Using map sandwiches
• Reference overlay
– Names, transportation, hydro, . . .

9. 12/15/2010
9
Basemaps
Using map sandwiches
• Slide your theme into the sandwich
– Population, Hydrology, Geology, Soils, Land use, Ecoregions, . . .
Median Age
Basemaps
Using map sandwiches
• Imagery Hybrid
– Imagery plus Reference Overlay

10. 12/15/2010
10
Types of layers
Feature layers
Assign symbols to attribute values (e.g., street class) . . .
. . . and labels (e.g., street name)
Portrayed using symbols,
colors, and labels — based
on attribute values
. . . Feature shapes plus attributes
Feature layers have information popups
Layers as interactive reports
Maps tell stories

11. 12/15/2010
11
Feature layers have attachments
Add photos and other documents to a feature
. . . how features communicate rich information
Feature layers
Are used to compile and edit data
• A Map Document has Layers
• Layers have symbology and labels
• Layers have Feature Templates for editing
Example:
• Geodatabase schema for parcels
• Parcel fabric uses specialized
topological rules for how
elements fit together to form the
parcel fabric

12. 12/15/2010
12
Some layers are derived
Geocoding layers
Feature layer created from an address table
Sensor layers
Feature layers can be created for sensor networks
Stream gauges Traffic cameras

13. 12/15/2010
13
Image layers (Raster)
• Individual image files
• Mosaics: Collections of imagery used as integrated map layers
Surface layers
DEM Rasters
Terrains (Multi-resolution Tins)
Contours and Elevation Points
Composite

14. 12/15/2010
14
Derived layers
Geoprocessing Results
Derived layers for spatial analysis and to automate tasks (e.g., ETL)
Areas within 2-, 4-, and 6-hours by truck
Optimizing Travel Times
Polygon overlay of flood plains on parcels
Spatial statistics
Suitability map
Analytical Models
ArcMap
To create a map, you create layers and add them to your map
The Table of Contents helps you to organize the layers in your map

15. 12/15/2010
15
Layers encapsulate how you work with GIS datasets
• How datasets are classified, symbolized, and labeled
• How to view and work with feature attributes
• How features are edited
Feature editing templates
HTML popupsAttribute table
New in
Version 10
Layer properties
• Subsets (Queries)
• Scale-dependent display
• Joins and relates
• Attribute fields
– Alias names
– Visible fields
– Hidden fields
– Display expressions
• Time properties
• Group layers
Visible fields, expressions, captions, …
Time Slider
Editing templates

16. 12/15/2010
16
• Your map helps you to
– Compile and edit shared features
– Define the visible map scales
– Derive a new layer by analyzing information in other layers
Can be saved and shared as map packages and layer packages
ArcMap
Map documents and layers encapsulate your knowledge
Users share maps and layers
Using ArcGIS Online
Share
Free Online Storage
Desktop Users
Groups
Search / Use
Map packages and
Layer packages

17. 12/15/2010
17
ArcGIS 10
• ArcGIS is about making, using, and sharing GIS maps and apps
for many purposes
Desktop Maps
(MXD, MPK, MSD,
LYR, LPK)
Web Maps and Apps
Mobile Maps and Apps
ArcGIS is an online system for using geographic information everywhere
A range of clients — GIS desktops, Web browsers, and mobile devices
• Connected to maps and geographic information services from thousands of
organizations worldwide
– On local computers (and as files on disk)
– Published as GIS Web services for use within an enterprise
– Published and shared in the cloud

18. 12/15/2010
18
GIS web maps
A new kind of map that works on the web
• Shared with everyone
• Works everywhere
– In browsers
– Mobile devices
– In custom apps
– And in GIS desktops
Web Maps
Sharing GIS with everyone
• There is a new map media called a web map
• This is one of many map patterns for the web and is already widely used (e.g., by
Google, Microsoft Bing, ArcGIS Online, etc.)
• This pattern involves the use of multi-scale base maps plus operational overlays
(mashups)
• Each map is published as an open map service on the web
– Published with multiple APIs: REST, SOAP, WMS, WCS, KML
• A Web Map combines these in a common application
• Simple HTML and Mobile APIs are used to assemble web applications that
reference REST endpoints (URLs).
• Only a few dozen lines of code are needed to create great web map apps
• With ArcGIS Online, making a map is even easier (No web programming)
Make a Web Map

19. 12/15/2010
19
Web maps can be created and shared
Web browser (ArcGIS.com)
Create your Web map at ArcGIS.com and in Explorer Online
Web maps can be shared
ArcGIS Explorer Online

20. 12/15/2010
20
Web maps can be shared
Add notes and build presentations with Explorer Online
Using maps to tell stories
Web maps can be shared
iPhone, iOS, Android, . . .

21. 12/15/2010
21
Web maps can be shared
Using Custom Apps
Web APIs for Javascript, Flex, Silverlight, SharePoint, iOS,
and Android
Web maps can be shared
ArcGIS Explorer Desktop
Adding tasks for modeling and analysis

22. 12/15/2010
22
Web maps can be shared
ArcMap
Web maps can be shared
ArcMap
Perform advanced work:
Editing, Geoprocessing, Modeling, . . .

23. 12/15/2010
23
How to create great web maps and apps
Web Maps
• A web map is a set of web map layers.
• Each layer is based on a web map service.
• A web map service in ArcGIS is published using a map document.
• You author your web map layers as map documents in ArcMap and
publish them as map services.
• You combine a set of web map layers from multiple services in your web
map application.
There is a common pattern for web maps

24. 12/15/2010
24
Creating a GIS Web Map
A commonly used pattern
1. Multi-scale Basemap(s)
2. Operational Overlay(s)
3. Tools for working with each layer
4. A GIS app to bring this to life
Building a multi-scale base map
A series of related maps for each map scale
Using ArcMap
1. Define map scales
2. Build a map for each map
scale
3. Put the set of layers for each map scale
in a group layer
4. Set scale-dependent drawing for each
group layer
5. Generate a cached map service
Optional:
• Define Interactive feature reports
• Locator

25. 12/15/2010
25
Community Basemaps
You don’t have to build it all yourself. Your map can be part of a community map.
• You need a set of multi-scale base maps to accomplish
your work
• No user can assemble their complete map. You need
contributions from other users as well
• ESRI wants to support your efforts to build and publish
your collective information as a series of great base
maps
A unified, harmonized series of basemaps authored and
shared by the ArcGIS community
Operational Layers
The focused set of layers that users work with
• Editing and data access layers
• Observations, sensor feeds, incidents
• Query results
• Result layers that are derived from analytical models
Earthquakes Inundation Areas &
Affected Buildings
Incidents, Customer Calls, Work
Orders

26. 12/15/2010
26
Operational layers
• Put interesting data behind your maps. Use tools to reach into that data.
―What can you do with a single mouse-click?‖
• Maps as interactive reports enable you to simplify the cartography (e.g.,
fewer and simpler labels)
Operational Layers are used for information access
Layers as interactive, georeferenced reports
Operational Overlay
Basemap Sandwich
Operational Overlay
Base Map

27. 12/15/2010
27
Simplest Report is Information Popup
The most common layer report method
• Avoid use of
– Feature and Object IDs
– Abbreviated / technical field names
– Code values
– Poorly formatted real numbers
– Etc.
Operational Layers
Layers as interactive reports
• Interactive reports are controlled by adding
information to specific results columns in
your geodatabase
– Add columns with meaningful values
to your feature tables
– Populate report attributes for each feature
Identify the audience.
Focus on delivering information to help
them do their work

28. 12/15/2010
28
Operational Layers
The focused set of layers that users work with
• Include tools for rich operations
– Examples
• Calculate population within 100 miles of an earthquake
• Show current stream flow
• Project Planning
Earthquakes Stream Flow Water Utility Plans
Operational Layers
Cartographic design is important
• Good symbology and labels
• Support for scale-dependent display
Not relevant at these map scales

29. 12/15/2010
29
Apps use basemaps plus operational overlays
Out-of-the-box apps and custom apps
• Operational layers require:
– Cartographic design (e.g., scale-dependencies)
– Popup Report Design
– Tools to work with the layer’s content
• Maps tell stories
– Use Presentations in ArcGIS Explorer
• Associate specific tools with each operational layer
Map Tools
Network map Directions
Demographic map Information popup
Parcel Editing Map (MPK) Parcel editing tools and workflow
Animal Tracks (GPS) Time Slider
Observations and Implications
And random thoughts . . .

30. 12/15/2010
30
Better maps are needed
Key points
• The GIS community builds and maintains important information sets
• Maps – both 2D and 3D, are the way this geographic information is
brought to life
• However, most GIS professionals are not cartographers
• But, …
There is a GIS mapping ―community‖
– The mapping community can provide the designs and build map specifications
for the rest of us for web delivery (i.e., templates)
– The mapping community can share its designs and map templates
– Users can import their data into these templates and publish maps on the Web

31. 12/15/2010
31
Most GIS web maps and apps are too complicated
Simplify and Streamline
• One-size-fits-all Übermaps that contain many, many layers
• Applications with (too) many options and toolbars and bells and whistles and the
kitchen sink, etc.
Identify your audience: Focused maps and apps
• Individual organizations have their
own maps
• Independently designed map
documents and geodatabases
• Slow to deploy and adapt
• Focus is on data formats and
dataset sharing
• Standards efforts are focused on
this too. Clunky sharing and
standards.
GIS for everyone means your GIS must be relevant and vital
Old ways of GIS are no longer sustainable
Current Focus Future
• Focused interactive maps that are
mission-based
• Transformation to shared web maps
for delivery
• Work together on common designs
(Templates)
• Use of Web maps for information
access
• Use of Web maps to communicate
and tell stories
• Simplify and streamline
Maps and templates will play a critical role

32. 12/15/2010
32
The ArcGIS Community will create and share great GIS maps and
apps (Content)
1. ESRI is building some core maps
– Imagery, streets, locators
– Demographic and business maps
2. ESRI is engaging with our user communities on other strategic maps
(collaborative)
– Topographic map, Image map, Street map, Others
3. Many of you will create and share maps
– Hosted at ArcGIS Online
– User-managed
Great map and app designs shared as templates
Lessons learned
• Group layers do a lot for your design (e.g., scale-dependent display,
organizing information by theme, . . .)
• Frequently, you’ll need maps to be more specific at larger map scales

33. 12/15/2010
33
General Purpose
Parcels
Imagery Hybrid
Utility Land Base
Your information
Lessons learned
• Important to design maps and geodatabases in unison
Leads to simpler data models that are streamlined

34. 12/15/2010
34
Lessons learned
• Leverage map content from other users
– Use ―map sandwiches‖ for some base maps
Lessons learned
• Leverage map content from other users
– Use ―map sandwiches‖ for some base maps

35. 12/15/2010
35
Lessons learned
• Leverage map content from other users
– Design your maps to fit with others’
Lessons learned
• Leverage map content from other users
– Harmonize your maps to fit with others’
Community Basemap

36. 12/15/2010
36
Lessons learned
• Building the content is the hard work.
• Creating the map is a fraction of the effort.
• We all have something valuable (extremely valuable) to contribute
Cambridge, MA and Harvard University
• 12 hours of data
processing
• 90 minutes to cache
• Seven map scales
1:36,000 to 1:1,000
Lessons learned
GIS content is almost always better than consumer web maps
• Up-to-date
• Trusted & Understood
• Authoritative
• Known quality
. . . and consumer web maps can improve through the use of GIS content

37. 12/15/2010
37
Summary
GIS is evolving to emphasize the role of maps
How we communicate with GIS
• Maps portray logical collections of geographic information as map layers
• They are at the heart of how GIS is used
• They provide an effective metaphor for modeling and organizing
geographic information as a series of thematic layers
Maps encapsulate everything we do with GIS

38. 12/15/2010
38
The new Web GIS trend will require better maps and
information
• Will drive a resurgence in the need for high quality, up-to-date
information
• The traditional data compilation work of GIS professionals will be
needed to meet this need
• Web GIS deployments will lead to increased professional GIS work
and sharing for
– Data automation
– Editing
– Mapping
– Analysis
– Automation
– 3D GIS
– Map use
A key goal in ArcGIS 10 is about meeting these needs
Key points
• Unified map designs are needed
– Harmonized map views that can be mashed up together
– Shared data schemas and maps across organizations
– This leads to shared apps across organizations
– Shared maps and apps are recognizable. Consumers can learn to use
and apply familiar maps
Synergy
Crowd sourcing by the GIS community

39. 12/15/2010
39
Base Maps plus Operational Overlays
There are many types of ―base maps‖
• Consumer maps provide imagery and streets. These are important but do
not provide the context for addressing all problems.
• Additional web maps are needed to provide the context or framework for
addressing a range of problems.
• The GIS community must provide these base maps.
• Very few web maps can be built by a single organization.
• A collaborative effort is needed to bring our content together in a series
of unified, harmonized, continuous basemaps.
Thank You

40. 12/15/2010
40
Useful Links
• Download slides at: http://blogs.esri.com/Dev/blogs/arcgis
– Look for BLOG article named ―Key talk on the role of maps . . .‖
• Help topics
– The role of maps:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/How_maps_are_used_in_GIS/
00v200000016000000/
– ArcMap documents and Web maps:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/ArcMap_documents_and_Web
_maps/00v200000017000000/
– Web GIS concepts and implementation steps:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/An_overview_of_Web_GIS/005
30000008r000000/
– Map Templates Gallery: http://resources.arcgis.com/content/maptemplates/about
– Community Basemaps: http://resources.arcgis.com/content/community-basemap/about