Creating Your First ArcGIS Dashboard: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

ArcGIS Dashboards is a powerful tool for visualizing and communicating spatial data. It enables you to create interactive dashboards that showcase key insights, monitor performance, and make data-driven decisions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced GIS professional, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create your first ArcGIS Dashboard.

Getting Started

To create an ArcGIS Dashboard, you'll need:

An ArcGIS account
ArcGIS Dashboards, which is included with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise

Creating a New Dashboard

Once you have the necessary tools, follow these steps to create a new dashboard:

Sign in to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise.
Click the "Create" button and select "Dashboard."
Give your dashboard a name and choose a template. Templates provide a starting point with pre-configured widgets.
Click "Create Dashboard."

Adding Widgets

Widgets are the building blocks of ArcGIS Dashboards. They display different types of data, such as maps, charts, gauges, and images. To add widgets to your dashboard:

Click the "Add" button.
Select a widget category.
Choose a widget.
Click "Add Widget."

Configuring Widgets

Once you've added widgets, you need to configure them to display the desired data.

Map Widgets: Select a map, set the zoom level, and add layers.
Chart Widgets: Choose a chart type, select the data source, and specify the visualization parameters.
Gauge Widgets: Set the data source and configure the gauge's appearance.
Image Widgets: Upload or select an image to display.

Interacting with Widgets

Widgets can be interactive, allowing you to explore data and perform actions.

Pan and Zoom Maps: Click and drag to pan the map. Use the zoom buttons or scroll wheel to zoom in and out.
Filter Data: Use the filter tool to narrow down the data displayed in widgets.
Drill Down into Data: Click on features in maps or charts to drill down into more detailed information.

Sharing Your Dashboard

Once your dashboard is complete, you can share it with others.

Share via Link: Copy and paste the dashboard URL to share with specific individuals or groups.
Embed in a Website or Application: Generate an HTML code snippet to embed your dashboard into external websites or applications.

Best Practices

For effective dashboard design, follow these best practices:

Keep it Simple: Focus on displaying the most important information in a clear and concise manner.
Use Visual Hierarchy: Arrange widgets in a logical order and use different colors and sizes to highlight important insights.
Enable Interactivity: Provide users with the ability to explore data and interact with the dashboard.
Consider Accessibility: Ensure your dashboard is accessible to users with disabilities.

Conclusion

Creating an ArcGIS Dashboard is a straightforward process that enables you to harness the power of GIS data visualization. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively communicate your data insights and make informed decisions. Remember to consider best practices for dashboard design and share your dashboard to maximize its impact.