Level 0: API Key Essential

Introductory to ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, Google Maps API and Leaflet

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

  • Understand the importance of web mapping in modern-day web development.
  • Identify the main components and functionality of ArcGIS JavaScript API, Google maps API Leaflet library, and describe its main functions and how they are employed.
  • Create an API key for the ArcGIS JavaScript API using the ArcGIS Developer Dashboard.
  • Create an API key for the Google Maps API using the Google Cloud Platform Console.

Introduction:

Web mapping has become an essential component of web GIS development. It allows users to visualize, analyze, and manipulate geospatial data through an interactive and user-friendly interface. Web mapping technologies have evolved over the years, and today there are various web mapping APIs and libraries available that offer a wide range of functionalities. This lesson will focus on the importance of web mapping in web GIS development and the main components and functionalities of three popular web mapping technologies: ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, Google Maps API, and Leaflet Library.

Web mapping is a crucial component of web GIS development as it allows users to interact with geospatial data in a meaningful way. Web mapping allows for the visualization of data, which is essential for analyzing and understanding it. Web mapping technologies also allow for data to be updated in real-time, which is crucial for applications that rely on up-to-date information. In addition, web mapping technologies offer a range of tools and functionalities that make it easier to analyze and manipulate geospatial data.

JavaScript Mapping API:

The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, Google Maps API, and Leaflet library are all tools for creating web-based interactive maps and geospatial applications. Each of these tools has its own set of components and functionality, which we will describe below:

ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript

The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript is a powerful mapping API that provides developers with a range of tools and functionalities for building web GIS applications. The API is based on the ArcGIS platform, which provides users with access to a wide range of geospatial data, services, and tools.

The main components of the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript include:

  1. Map: This component provides developers with the ability to create and display maps in web applications. The map component supports a range of basemaps, including imagery, terrain, and street maps, and allows developers to add layers, markers, and pop-ups to the map.
  2. Layer: This component allows developers to add various types of layers to the map, including feature layers, dynamic layers, and tiled layers. The layer component also supports querying, filtering, and styling of layers.
  3. Geoprocessing: This component provides developers with access to a range of geoprocessing tools, including spatial analysis, routing, and geocoding. The geoprocessing component allows developers to perform complex spatial analysis tasks in web applications.

Main functionality:

  1. Map visualization: The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript provides a range of visualization tools to create and display maps in web applications. Developers can add layers, markers, pop-ups, and other visual elements to create interactive maps.
  2. Spatial analysis: The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript provides a range of geoprocessing tools that allow developers to perform complex spatial analysis tasks in web applications. These tools include buffering, spatial queries, routing, and geocoding.
  3. Integration with ArcGIS platform: The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript is designed to work seamlessly with the ArcGIS platform, allowing developers to access a wide range of geospatial data, services, and tools.
How get API keys in ArcGIS for Developers
To use the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, you need an API key. In this lesson, we will learn how to create an ArcGIS JavaScript API key using the ArcGIS Developer Dashboard.

Google Maps API

The Google Maps API is a popular web mapping API that provides developers with access to maps, directions, and geolocation services.

The main components of the Google Maps API include:

  1. Map: This component allows developers to create and display maps in web applications. The map component supports a range of basemaps, including satellite, terrain, and street maps, and allows developers to add markers, info windows, and custom overlays to the map.
  2. Places: This component provides developers with access to a range of location-based services, including place search, autocomplete, and details. The places component allows developers to build location-based applications that provide users with relevant information based on their current location.
  3. Directions: This component allows developers to add routing and direction functionality to web applications. The directions component supports a range of travel modes, including driving, walking, and cycling, and provides users with step-by-step directions to their destination.

Main functionality:

  1. Map visualization: The Google Maps API provides tools for creating and displaying maps in web applications. Developers can add markers, info windows, and custom overlays to create interactive maps.
  2. Location-based services: The Google Maps API provides a range of location-based services, including place search, autocomplete, and details. These services allow developers to build applications that provide users with relevant information based on their current location.
  3. Routing and directions: The Google Maps API allows developers to add routing and direction functionality to web applications. The API supports a range of travel modes and provides users with step-by-step directions to their destination.
How get API keys in Google Cloud Platform
To use the Google Maps API, you need an API key. In this lesson, we will learn how to create a Google Maps API key using the Google Cloud Platform Console.

Leaflet

The Leaflet library is a popular open-source JavaScript library for building interactive maps and it works without API keys.

The main components of the Leaflet library include:

  1. Map: This component allows developers to create and display maps in web applications. The map component supports a range of basemaps, including imagery, terrain, and street maps, and allows developers to add markers, pop-ups, and custom overlays to the map.
  2. Layer: This component allows developers to add various types of layers to the map, including tile layers, vector layers, and GeoJSON layers. The layer component also supports styling and filtering of layers.
  3. Plugins: The Leaflet library has a range of plugins that provide additional functionality, including heatmaps, clustering, and geolocation. These plugins allow developers to extend the functionality of the Leaflet library and create more advanced web mapping applications.

Main functionality:

  1. Map visualization: The Leaflet library provides a range of tools for creating and displaying maps in web applications. Developers can add markers, pop-ups, and custom overlays to create interactive maps.
  2. Layer control: The Leaflet library provides tools for adding and controlling layers in web applications. Developers can add tile layers, vector layers, and GeoJSON layers, and can control the visibility and styling of these layers.
  3. Plugins: The Leaflet library has a range of plugins that provide additional functionality, including heatmaps, clustering, and geolocation. These plugins allow developers to extend the functionality of the Leaflet library and create more advanced web mapping applications.

In summary, the ArcGIS JavaScript API, Google Maps API, and Leaflet library are all powerful web mapping technologies that provide developers with a range of tools and functionalities for building web GIS applications. These technologies allow developers to create interactive maps, add layers, perform spatial analysis, and provide users with location-based services. Understanding the main components and functionalities of these technologies is crucial for developers to create effective and powerful web GIS applications.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, web mapping is a crucial component of web GIS development, providing a range of tools and functionalities for developers to create powerful and interactive mapping applications. ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, Google Maps API, and Leaflet library are among the most widely used web mapping technologies, each with their own unique features and advantages.

  • The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript is a comprehensive platform for creating and managing spatial data, with powerful visualization and analysis tools. It is ideal for organizations that already use the ArcGIS platform and want to integrate web mapping into their existing workflows.
  • The Google Maps API provides a range of location-based services and routing and directions tools, making it an ideal choice for applications that require location-based functionality. It is widely used by businesses and developers to create interactive and user-friendly mapping applications.
  • The Leaflet library is an open-source platform with a focus on simplicity and flexibility. It is ideal for developers who want to create custom mapping applications and require a lightweight and customizable mapping library.

Overall, the choice of web mapping technology depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project. By understanding the main components and functionalities of these web mapping technologies, developers can choose the best platform for their needs and create powerful and effective web GIS applications.

References:

  1. ArcGIS JavaScript API documentation: https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/
  2. Chow, E. and Yuan, Y. (2019). GIS APIs. The Geographic Information Science & Technology Body of Knowledge (2nd Quarter 2019 Edition), John P. Wilson (Ed.). doi: 10.22224/gistbok/2019.2.15. Available online: https://gistbok.ucgis.org/bok-topics/gis-apis
  3. Chow, T. E. (2008). The potential of maps APIs for Internet GIS Applications. Transactions in GIS, 12(2), 179-191. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9671.2008.01094.x Available online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9671.2008.01094.x
  4. ESRI. (2018). ArcGIS Developer Program Pricing. Retrieved Dec 7, 2018, from ArcGIS for Developer: https://developers.arcgis.com/pricing/credits/
  5. Google. (2018). Pricing for Maps, Routes and Places. Retrieved Dec 7, 2018, from Google Cloud: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/pricing/sheet/
  6. Google Maps API documentation: https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript  
  7. Leaflet documentation: https://leafletjs.com/reference.html
  8. Schmidt, M., & Weiser, P. (2012) [online]. Web mapping services: development and trends. In M. Peterson (Ed.), Online maps with APIs and WebServices (pp. 13–21). Berlin Heidelberg: Springer. ISBN: 978-3-642-27484-8. Available online: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=5f0a448c9d22e5f22705edaa2effcc0bee4defda
  9. Yue, P., Ramachandran, R., & Baumann, P. (2015). Intelligent GIServices. Earth Science Informatics, 8(3), 461-462. doi: 10.1007/s12145-015-0237-z Available online: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12145-015-0237-z