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ArcGIS Online

Apr 03, 2024

Points of light: illuminating a map with data

By John Nelson

Here’s how to make point features in ArcGIS Online look like they’re illuminating the map. Rather than discrete points covering up the basemap, the features act as a light source revealing the underlying map. A bit like fireflies. Ah firefly, how I love thee.

point features appearing to illuminate a dark imagery basemap

Here is how to do it…

…

0:00 Illuminating intro
0:06 Adding some lighthouses from ArcGIS Online
0:16 Firefly point symbology
0:49 Darkening the underlying imagery basemap with Effects
1:11 Illuminating with the Soft Light blend mode

I hope you try this out for any map or story whose theme might benefit from the fun illumination of data.

Love, John

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mapping blend mode blends cartography effects arcgis online

John Nelson

I have far too much fun looking for ways to understand and present data visually, hopefully driving product strategy and engaging users. I work in the ArcGIS Living Atlas team at Esri, pushing and pulling data in all sorts of absurd ways and then sharing the process. I also design user experiences for maps and apps. When I'm not doing those things, I'm chasing around toddlers and wrangling chickens, and generally getting into other ad-hoc adventures. Life is good. You might also like these Styles for ArcGIS Pro: esriurl.com/nelsonstyles

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