How to build a growth map

Everything grew, but where did it grow the most?

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Growth map

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data shows us how the economy is changing over time. To understand where the most growth is happening, quantify the change in GDP over time by mapping the percent change. This map uses an Arcade expression, similar to a Microsoft Excel formula, to calculate a new “Change Over Time” value. In this map, the largest symbols indicate the highest growth rates. Since every state GDP grew in this time frame, all symbols are the same color. 

Key steps

  • Add data and a custom vector basemap

    Open the "Human Geography Basemap" from ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World. Then add the “Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by state, 1997-2016” layer, also from Living Atlas.
    Explore ArcGIS Living Atlas for data

  • Calculate growth over time using Arcade

    Calculate the change in GDP over time by creating an Arcade expression using the equation [(new-old)/old]*100. Choose to map the result using the "Counts and Amounts (Size)" drawing style.
    Learn more about Arcade expressions

  • Set a custom point symbol

    Find a meaningful picture, such as a dollar sign, to serve as your custom point symbol. Use the URL of the image to set the symbol in ArcGIS Online.
    See how to use custom point symbols

  • Set the symbol sizing and outlines

    Since we are mapping a percentage of growth, 100 and 200 percent are good benchmarks to use. Set the break points at 100 and 200. Set the outlines of the state polygons to the same color as the point symbol, but use 50 percent transparency.
    Get easy tips to improve your maps
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