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Check out the latest ArcGIS Online updates, tips and tricks

Every few months, ArcGIS Online is updated to include additional functionality and enhancements. Find out some of the updates made last month in the latest release of ArcGIS Online, and learn some tips and tricks from our Esri bloggers.

Let’s start the new year with some exciting news! In this blog post, you will learn about the latest updates to ArcGIS Online and some tips and tricks you and your students can try.

In December, ArcGIS Online was updated with a list of enhancements and updates. Find out some of the latest features that are relevant to educators.

Start page set up

Using the editing options in your Profile, you can set up the start page that appears when you sign into ArcGIS Online.

Item Information

This new status bar and interactive checklist found on the item details page of content saved in ArcGIS Online can help authors improve item information.

New Analysis tools
In the Map Viewer, there are new analysis tools available.

  • Find Centroids allows you to find the geometric center of multi-point, line or area features.
  • When using the tools Aggregate Points and Summarize Within, there’s a new option to generate custom square or hexagon bins instead of summarizing your data within an input area layer.
  • When creating thematic maps, there’s a new Firefly symbol option. A firefly point symbol is a dot with a colourized glow effect, which is useful for creating dramatic thematic maps.

Data collection & management

You can publish hosted feature layers using CSV and Microsoft Excel files stored in Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive and Dropbox.

Basemaps

Check out the new ArcGIS Online basemaps available in the Map Viewer:

  • Street at Night
  • Imagery Hybrid
  • Navigation

There are many other enhancements in the new update. Read the blog post to learn more.

ArcGIS Online Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks you can try this year.

Maps

Story Maps

Are you a Canadian teacher new to ArcGIS Online? Request an account at k12.esri.ca/#access. Find resources to get started with ArcGIS Online at k12.esri.ca/resourcefinder.

About the Author

Angela Alexander is a K-12 Education Specialist in the Esri Canada Education and Research group. She has over 15 years of experience working with educators across Canada. Angela focuses on producing geographic information system (GIS) and curriculum-specific resources, and conducting and creating custom workshops for educators. She manages the GIS Ambassador Program and is the Technical Chair for the annual Skills Ontario GIS competition. Angela also writes monthly posts for the Esri Canada Education and Research blog, highlighting K-12 educators and partners, new ArcGIS resources and GIS-related events.

Profile Photo of Angela Alexander