Make your First Map in GIS (Base Map)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your first map using ArcGIS. You will learn how to utilize built-in base maps, add essential map elements, and save your completed map as a JPEG file. This is a great skill for anyone interested in geographic information systems (GIS) and can be applied in various fields such as urban planning, environmental science, and public health.

Step 1: Accessing ArcGIS and Selecting a Base Map

1. Open ArcGIS on your computer.
2. Navigate to the map viewer interface.
3. Click on the option to add a base map:
   • Choose from the available layers.
   • Select a base map that represents a location you have visited or are interested in.

Step 2: Adding Map Elements

1. Locate the tools for adding map elements within the ArcGIS interface.
2. Add a North arrow to indicate direction:
   • Choose a North arrow style you prefer.
   • Position it appropriately on the map.
3. Insert a scale bar to provide a reference for distance:
   • Select a scale bar style.
   • Adjust its placement to ensure visibility.
4. Consider adding additional elements such as:
   • Titles or labels for clarity.
   • Legends if your map includes various features or data.

Step 3: Customizing Your Map

1. Adjust the map's appearance:
   • Change colors or styles of the base map if desired.
   • Modify symbols for any data layers you may have added.
2. Zoom in or out to focus on the area of interest.
3. Review the overall layout to ensure all elements are clear and well-positioned.

Step 4: Saving and Exporting Your Map

1. Once you are satisfied with your map, find the save option in ArcGIS.
2. Choose to export your map:
   • Select the JPEG format for your export.
   • Specify the file name and destination folder on your computer.
3. Click on the export button to create your JPEG file.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to create your first map in ArcGIS by selecting a base map, adding essential elements, customizing the layout, and exporting your work as a JPEG file. With these skills, you can effectively communicate geographic information and create visually appealing maps. As a next step, consider exploring more advanced features in ArcGIS to enhance your mapping capabilities further.