Geographic Information Systems

ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based mapping and analysis platform developed by Esri. It allows users to create, share, and analyze maps directly through a web browser, meaning no software installation is needed. It is a core part of the ArcGIS ecosystem and is often used in combination with ArcGIS Pro for publishing, collaboration, and public communication.

With ArcGIS Online, you can:

• Create and publish web maps
• Build interactive dashboards and story maps
• Access thousands of authoritative datasets from Esri’s Living Atlas
• Collaborate on spatial data with others in real-time
• Host and manage your own geospatial content securely in the cloud

The ArcGIS Online Suite houses several powerful tools and apps for different kinds of GIS work. Included in the suite are: ArcGIS Online (Web Maps), ArcGIS StoryMaps, ArcGIS Dashboards, ArcGIS Instant Apps & Experience Builder.

Supported file types include:

• Vector Data: Shapefiles (.zip containing .shp, .shx, .dbf, and .prj), JSON (.json), GeoJSON (.geojson), KML/KMZ (.kml, .kmz), CSV (.csv with coordinate fields or location data), GPX (for GPS data exchange)
• Tabular Data: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), CSV and TXT (with spatial fields or addresses), Google Sheets (via URL link or connected content)
• Raster and Imagery (viewing or hosting via layers): Hosted as tile layers, image services, or referenced from web services, Common formats supported when published through ArcGIS Pro (e.g., .tif, .jpg, .png)
• Project and Layer Files: Web Maps (.webmap), Web Scenes (.webscene), Layer Files (.lyrx via ArcGIS Pro publishing)
• Services and Web Layers: ArcGIS REST Services (Feature, Map, Image), WMS/WMTS/OGC Services, Tiles and Vector Tiles (.tpk, .vtpk), Hosted Feature Layers (editable or read-only)

ArcGIS Online also supports real-time connections to Living Atlas data, Public APIs and services, real-time sensor feeds (e.g., traffic, weather).

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based storytelling platform developed by Esri that lets you combine maps, narrative text, images, videos, charts, and multimedia into engaging, scrollable stories. It’s designed for anyone who wants to turn spatial data into compelling digital narratives.

With ArcGIS StoryMaps you can:

• Tell Spatial Stories: Combine maps and narrative to highlight urban change, environmental impact, or social justice issues
• Showcase Research: Present findings using interactive maps, visuals, and references
• Engage the Public: Use compelling layouts to inform communities or stakeholders
• Create Class Projects: Replace static reports with multimedia storytelling

ArcGIS StoryMaps is part of the ArcGIS Online Suite and can directly integrate your ArcGIS web maps, media, and external web content.

Supported file types include:

• Maps and Layers: ArcGIS Web Maps and Web Scenes (2D and 3D), Layers from your ArcGIS Online account, Express Maps (quick, lightweight maps created directly in the builder)
• Text and Media: Text (headings, paragraphs, callouts), Photos (JPEG, PNG, GIF), Videos (YouTube, Vimeo, or upload MP4 files), Audio files (MP3), Charts (as images or embeds), Web embeds (Google Docs, Tableau, CodePen, etc.)
• Embeddable apps and dashboards from ArcGIS Online

Access ArcGIS StoryMaps and ArcGIS Online

Current NYU students, faculty, and staff can request access to the ESRI Organizational account at NYU by using our software request form. 

We've Moved to the New Map Viewer!

Data Services is excited to announce that our NYU ArcGIS Online organization has migrated to the New Map Viewer in ArcGIS Online! This update aligns with Esri's commitment to providing innovative tools for creating and managing maps, and we are confident it will enhance your map-making experience.

What You Need to Know:

• No work will be lost: All your existing maps and layers will remain intact and can still be found in your Content on the ArcGIS Online interface.

• Flexibility to switch back: If you prefer, you can return to Map Viewer Classic at any time. To learn how, visit this Esri resource page on switching viewers.

• Improved functionality: The New Map Viewer introduces a streamlined interface and enhanced tools designed to make your workflow more efficient.

We encourage you to explore the New Map Viewer and take advantage of its modern features. If you have any questions or need assistance, the Data Services GIS team is here to help.

Happy mapping!

Attend a tutorial

Need to transfer your content from your NYU ArcGIS Online account to your non-NYU account? We've created a step-by-step guide for that! 

Please use our guide for transferring items to another NYU account if you need to assign ownership to another NYU user.