Make a Map
Make your own maps to make your own change.
Maps Help Data Make Sense.
Making maps is the heart of SoCal Earth. We have over 200 data layers related to Southern California PLUS access to online layers. But data is just data. The magic is in its unfolding.
Make a Map Dashboard
Explore, browse by topic, or come with an idea of what you want to know. Read the user cases below to find out how you can use the app. Click on add data to browse through SoCal Earth's dataset, or scroll to the bottom to add data from Arc GIS Online and Esri's Living Atlas.
To learn the basics of how to use this tool, follow the steps in the demo below. Further down, read through mapping tips and tricks, and see the User Case StoryMaps below. Even further down, you can find out more about available SoCal Earth layers by category.
Basic Mapping Instructions
Making a map isn't as hard as you think! But it can have a bit of a learning curve. Follow the tips below or watch the instructional video for some guidance.
Data for the map below comes from three places.
- SoCal Earth layers are tailored to Southern California and treat biodiversity, built environment, climate, coastal health, energy, equity, food and agriculture, indigenous lands, and water.
- ArcGIS Online has data layers that other users have created on as many topics as you can imagine. There are so many it can be confusing. But if you have an idea of what you want to search, they can be very useful. These data layers are not authoritative so use them at your own risk!
- ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World is a collection of authoritative data layers, maps, and other items provided by Esri. Each layer goes through a rigorous nomination and vetting process. What's more, these layers are live and are updated sometimes daily for topics like population, weather, earthquakes, or transportation--and so many more.
If you have a particular interest, take a quick peek at the StoryMaps below, which review most of the layers in our SoCal Earth dataset. Combine knowledge sets, make comparisons, ask questions, and get answers in a user-friendly format. No mapping experience required!
Mapping Tips and Tricks
View StoryMaps of user cases.
Mapping Tips
The Basics
- Search Data: Click on the “Click to Add Data” box, enter a search term, then click on the layer or layers you want to add.
- Add Data Layer: After you add a data layer to your list, click on the four dots and select “Add to Map” in order to add it to the map.
- Adjust Layer: Click on the layer icon in the orange widgets at the bottom of the map (hover to see which icon is which). Use the eyeball icon to turn the layer on or off. Clicking on the three dots allows you to make the layer more or less transparent.
- Delete Layer: To delete a layer you no longer need, delete it both from your layer list and by clicking the trash can in the lower right corner of the map. This will delete the selected layer.
- Switch Basemap: To view different terrain, click the Basemap icon in the orange widgets at the bottom of the page. Browse and select the basemap you want to use.
More Mapping Tips
- Sign-in Prompt: You can add most layers from the Living Atlas to your map, but some layers require an account. Free ArcGIS accounts are available through Esri.
- Layer Not Loading or Partially Loading: Some data layers are extremely large, and some computers may not be able to handle the load. If this happens, delete the layer and move on to another layer.
- Unwanted Zoom: If a layer zooms you to a different location, click the home icon to return to where you were previously viewing the map.
- Where Is My Layer: Sometimes you add a layer to your map and nothing appears. Click the orange layers icon at the bottom of the map to make sure the layer is turned on.
- Hidden Layer: If you have added a new layer, it may be hidden behind another layer. Click the orange layers icon at the bottom of the map and reorder layers by dragging them above or below other layers.
- Want to See More: Using the orange layers icon, you can increase or decrease the transparency of any layer to see what is underneath.
- Where Did My Print Go: If you printed your map, click “Results” in the print card. When you click your map name, it will open in a new tab and can be downloaded as a PDF.
Data Layer StoryMaps
Below are StoryMaps that show users SoCal Earth data layers by category to help familiarize you with what you can search for, compare, and analyze. Browse layers by topic in each StoryMap to aid your mapping project or question.
StoryMaps for Coastal Health, Energy, and Indigenous Lands layers are coming soon!