An Imagery Basemap that works for Thematic Maps
An imagery basemap is super useful. It's beautiful and provides amazing context. But sometimes the high contrast and tonal noise of an imagery basemap can compete with thematic data layers that you put on it. Here's how to make an imagery basemap in ArcGIS Online that's appropriate for thematic (generally choropleth) maps.
0:00 John fresh form the dentist with a mush-mouth
0:37 The problem with regular imagery for thematic map basemaps
1:29 Reducing the contrast of the imagery
2:09 Adding a dark water overlay (with coastal hack!)
3:13 Bringing back some terrain texture
4:30 Adding borders
5:25 Adding labels
We did it! A nice neutral even-toned imagery basemap just ready for all manner of thematic mapping madness!
Here is the map, if you'd like to check it out: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer...
If you'd like to diver much...much...deeper into what's possible for basemap editing, check out this blog post from my friends Emily Meriam and Andy Skinner: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/prod...
Music: Venkatesananda - Jesse Gallagher
Check out some other social channels where I share how-to's and updates on random map adventures:
http://adventuresinmapping.com
https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/auth...
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