ArcGIS Web Map Style Guide

General

Along with the ArcGIS-specific information below, all data visualizations should follow:

1. The City's data visualization guidelines.
2. The City's writing for the web guidelines.

Accessibility

• Follow Esri accessibility best practices:
  • Accessibility essentials for GIS and mapping
  • GIS accessibility guidance: web maps 
  • Accessibility in ArcGIS Online 
  • More Esri accessibility resources 
• Use colorblind-friendly color ramps.
• Ensure there is enough contrast between the basemap and any overlays (polygons, lines, points, graphics, labels, etc). 
  • Using halos on labels is often helpful for this.
• Test map symbology using the Color Vision Simulator tool in ArcGIS Pro.

Usability

• Provide a user-friendly map title.
• Provide descriptive web map item details.
• Use plain text: 
  • Avoid using jargon, acronyms, and other language that might be unfamiliar to the average map user. 
• Customize pop-ups: 
  • Replace variable names with plain text labels (st_address -> Street Address). 
  • Only include the most relevant information. Do not automatically use the default table with all layer attributes. 
• Customize the legend: 
  • Replace layer names with plain text (city_prks_public -> City Parks).
  • Explain any "codes" or other jargon. 
• Make sure all map assets are available to public users.
  • To confirm, open the web map in a private/incognito window in your web browser.