ArcGIS includes a wide range of apps that help members of your organization interact with maps and data. The information in the following sections will guide you in creating an app from a map, scene, or group.
1. Pick the type of app
Consider the following when determining the best type of app for your purpose:
- What is the story you're trying to tell?
- Who is your audience?
- How knowledgeable is your audience about your topic?
- What are the essential components of your story: maps, videos, photos, or a gallery of maps and apps?
- Which type of app best suits the story you are trying to tell: a map-based app, a scene-based app, or a group-based app?
- Do you want to use an out-of-the-box wizard to customize the app?
2. Build maps, scenes, or groups
Build maps, scenes, or groups to incorporate into the app:
- If you decide on a map-based app, create a map with Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro, or select a map that's been made available to you.
- If you decide on a scene-based app, create a scene with Scene Viewer or ArcGIS Pro, or select a scene that's been made available to you.
- If you decide on a group-based app, create a group and share items to it or select an existing group from your organization.
3. Assemble your content
Organize supporting materials such as photos, video, audio files, and text. Text should be as brief as possible. Most people don't like to read more than a few sentences.
4. Choose an app
Choose an app from the supported options:
- For a map-based app, you can use Instant Apps, ArcGIS StoryMaps, Dashboards, or Experience Builder. Learn more about how to create apps from maps.
- For a group-based app, you can use Instant Apps from the group page or the content page. The content page is a good option if you want to pick the app first and add a group to it. Learn more about how to create apps from groups.
- For a scene-based app, you can use Instant Apps, ArcGIS StoryMaps, or Experience Builder. Learn more about how to create apps from scenes.
5. Refine
Creating an effective app is an iterative process. In most cases, you'll want to repeat one or more of these steps, returning to your app and its map or group to add, delete, or change features, edit your text, choose new photos, and so on.
6. Publish
When you publish, the apps can reside on your organization's servers or you can use third-party resources such as Amazon.