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ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based mapping and analysis platform created by Esri, a leading provider of Geographic Information System (GIS) software. It allows users to create, manage, share, and analyze maps, apps, and data through a web-based interface.
ArcGIS Online provides a wide range of tools and functionalities that enable users to create maps and apps for various purposes, such as urban planning, environmental management, emergency response, business intelligence, and more. It includes a vast data library with layers, basemaps, and imagery from Esri and other sources.
In this tutorial, we will cover the basics of ArcGIS Online and show you how to get started with creating maps and apps.
To use ArcGIS Online, you need to create an account. If you are a faculty/staff in University of Nebraska-Lincoln, you can request an organization account here: https://itprocurement.unl.edu/arcgis-desktop-advanced
If you are not a member of an ArcGIS Online organization, you can create a public account with an ArcGIS login or create a public account with a social login to access ArcGIS Online. A Public account is free and allows users to access a limited set of features in ArcGIS Online. Here is additional information: https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/get-started/create-account.htm
Once you have created an account, you can access ArcGIS Online through your web browser: https://www.arcgis.com/index.html
2.1 To create a map in ArcGIS Online, click on the "Map" tab at the top of the screen. From here, you can add layers to your map, customize the appearance of your map, and add text and other elements.
2.2 Select Open in Map Viewer Classic
2.3 Download the Nebraska State Trails shapefile data from NGPC Map and Data Portal https://data-outdoornebraska.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/outdoornebraska::nebraska-state-trails-/explore (data provider: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)
Tip: to explore more open data about Nebraska, check here: https://data-outdoornebraska.opendata.arcgis.com/
2.4 In ArcGIS Online, click on 
at the top of the screen and select "Add Layer from File", then choose the Nebraska_State_Trails_.zip file downloaded in step 2.3
2.5 After clicking the Import Layer button, the "Change Style" window will show automatically. Select "Show location only" in "Choose an attribute to show" field:
2.6 Select a different color in "Select a drawing style". Then, adjust the visible range to display the layer at the country level. Finally, click "Done" to save the changes once you have finished adjusting the settings:
Tip: visible range refers to the scale range at which a layer is visible on a map. This means that the layer will only be displayed on the map if the map's zoom level falls within a certain range of scales that you specify. This is useful when you want to control the level of detail and information that is displayed on a map at different zoom levels.
If you want to edit the symbology later, you can use the "Change Style" button to adjust the symbology of the trail layer to your preference. You can choose different colors, symbols, and labels to make the map more informative and appealing.
2.7 To label the features on your map, click the three dots to see more options 
Then, select "Create Labels" to open the "Label Features" window. Change settings as below:
2.8 Click 
to save your map
3.1 Click on 
in the top toolbar and make the map available to the public. Then, everyone with the link can get access to the map:
3.2 To create a web app, select "Create a Web App". There are many app templates for you to choose from:
In this case, we will use the Sidebar template. Select Sidebar and create a new web app:
Tip: you can try a different type of app to create and customize the settings, layout, and functionality to your preference. You can add interactive elements, such as pop-ups, filters, and bookmarks, to enhance the user experience and engagement.
3.3 In the Express setting, keep everything as default:
3.4 Click 
button to publish and share your app:
Tip: you can share the app with others by embedding it on a website, sharing the link, or publishing it to a wider audience.
3.5 Click Launch to check the app. Select a trail in your app to see detailed information about this trail:
With these steps, you can create a web app (demo: https://arcg.is/1r0DjD0) that showcases the state trails in Nebraska, using ArcGIS Online and publicly available data. You can also add other layers and functionalities to make the app more informative and interactive, depending on your needs and goals.
