gisprojects

Customized Basemaps

Basemaps are the first layer of a GIS map. These are examples of customized basemaps based on theme, color, or style guide.

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Basemaps Example 1: Visit PGH

Purpose statement: What if VisitPGH asked for a map of locations for their local farmer’s markets?

Requirements for the basemap: Must use colors of the main sponsor, Karken Brewing; must be legible and clear.

Process: I created a customized basemap using ArcGIS Developer editor using the Hex color codes of the sponsor’s style guide. Then, I added an additional layer in ArcGIS online of location markers for the neighborhood farmer’s markets.

An interactive version is available either on my website or on ArcGIS Online.

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Basemaps Example 2: Princess Bride

Purpose statement: For practice, create a customized basemap based on my favorite movie: The Princess Bride.

Self Imposed requirements for the basemap: must use colors from the main promotional poster; must be legible and clear.

Process: I pulled the Hex codes of the movie’s promotional poster using Canva. Then, I used the Hex codes to create a customized basemap in ArcGIS Developer.

Compare the two images. Can you see where the color pallet was used for land, water, and labels?

Interactive version of the Princess Bride map can be found here on the Esri site.