ArcGIS Online is an ESRI cloud-based platform that allows users to synchronize and share GIS data while leveraging the full suite of ArcGIS mapping tools. EarthRanger can connect to an ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise account, enabling the synchronization of map features without needing export/import workflows. EarthRanger imports point, line, and polygon vector data into features for map layer visualization, geo-fencing, fire alerts, deforestation alerts, and more.

Note: The following directions offer a basic workflow and may not cover all the capabilities of ArcGIS Online. For comprehensive information, please consult the ArcGIS Online documentation.

Before You Start

Before configuring the ArcGIS Online integration in EarthRanger, make sure the following are in place:

• Access to an ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise account with the layers you want to import already configured.
• Access to the EarthRanger Admin panel (https://your_organization.pamdas.org/admin).
• Feature Types set up in EarthRanger that correspond to the attributes in your GIS files. To review or add Feature Types, go to: Map Layers > Feature Types in the EarthRanger Admin panel.

Preparing GIS Files

Create geospatial files that represent the desired features of your protected area using your chosen GIS software. These files can describe vector features in the following formats:

• Polygons: Represent geographic areas such as park boundaries or operational regions.
• Lines: Represent linear features like roads or rivers.
• Points: Represent features such as outposts, gates, or watering holes.

Ensure that each geospatial file contains the following attributes:

1. Name Attribute: A unique name for each feature.
2. Feature Type Attribute: An attribute that corresponds to a Feature Type in EarthRanger (e.g., "Park Boundary," "Primary Roads," "Outposts").

Note: Use the same Name Attribute and Feature Type Attribute for all files being imported. Importing via ArcGIS Online does not require the projection to be EPSG:4326.

Configuring EarthRanger for ArcGIS Online Import

1. In the EarthRanger Admin panel, navigate to: Map Layers > Feature Service Configurations.
2. Click Add Feature Service Configuration in the top-right corner.
3. Configure the following fields:
   1. Configuration Name: A friendly name for this import.
   2. Username: The ArcGIS Online account username.
   3. Password: The ArcGIS Online account password.
   4. Search Text: Typically leave blank. Contact EarthRanger support for usage guidance.
   5. Disable Import Feature Types: Leave unchecked to enable imports.
   6. Optional Attributes:
      1. Service URL: Only needed for ArcGIS Enterprise configurations.
      2. Source: A friendly name for the source of these features.
      3. Type Field: The name of the Feature Type attribute.
      4. ID Field: The field for Global ID (rarely changed).
      5. Name Field: The name of the Name attribute.
4. Click Save and Continue Editing.
5. Click Test Connection to verify your credentials.
6. In the Groups field, select the appropriate ArcGIS Online group.
7. Click Save and Continue Editing.
8. To manually import features, click Download Features.
9. To view new features in EarthRanger, refresh the map and check the Map Layers.

Note: Features are automatically reloaded every night in addition to any manual downloads.

Data Synchronization

EarthRanger automatically synchronizes updates from ArcGIS Online once per day. This means any changes made in your ArcGIS environment will be reflected in EarthRanger within 24 hours without any manual action required.

If you need to apply changes immediately, you can trigger a manual import at any time by returning to the Feature Service Configuration in the EarthRanger Admin panel and clicking Download Features. Once imported, refresh the map and check Map Layers to confirm the updated features are visible.
 

Feature Styling and Visualization

EarthRanger can also import the styling for features from ArcGIS Online, but note that ArcGIS does not export styles from the original GIS files. Instead, it uses the styles configured in the Visualization Layers.

Follow these steps to adjust the style:

1. In ArcGIS Online, go to the Groups tab and select a content item.
2. Click the Visualization tab.
3. Click Change Style to modify the layer’s default style, filters, pop-ups, and labels.
4. Click Options.
5. Under Symbols:
   • Fill Tab: Select the color and transparency.
   • Outline Tab: Set the color, transparency, and line width (note: pattern support is unavailable).
6. Click OK twice, then click Done.
7. Click Save Layer in the top corner.

If necessary, return to the EarthRanger Admin page and click Download Features to update the visualization in EarthRanger.