Before you start building your app, you will need to consider the use case of your app. This page will help you select the right low-code/no-code app builder for your use case. It will also provide you with configuration and customization options, and examples of use cases.
Application considerations
The questions below can be used as a guide on which low-code/no-code apps you can build. Your use cases will dictate which app you create.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Define a purpose | Clarify the main goal or objective of the app. |
| Who is your audience? | Identify the intended users and their needs. |
| How should the design look and behave? | Determine the user experience and interface style. |
| How tech savvy is the app creator? | Assess the technical skill level of the person building the app. |
There are other considerations you need to take into account before selecting a low-code/no-code builder which includes:
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Security | Ensure that your app and the data it handles are secure and meet your organization's regulations. |
| Integration | Evaluate your app's integration with other systems, such as databases, APIs, and third-party services. |
| Scalability | Ensure that your app can accommodate growth and increased demand. |
| Performance | Consider your app's performance, including its speed, reliability, and user experience. |
| Customization | Evaluate the level of customization you need for a low-code/no-code builder. |
| Support & Maintenance | Consider the support and maintenance required for your app, including bug fixing, updates, and backups. |
Configuration and customization
The ArcGIS low-code/no-code builders offer a flexible experience to accommodate various use cases. Before you choose which builder to use, determine how much control you need with your app. The table below is a guide on the levels of configuration and customization with the ArcGIS low-code/no-code builders.
| Configuration | Customization | |
|---|---|---|
| ArcGIS Instant Apps | 1 | |
| ArcGIS Dashboards | 1 | 2 |
| ArcGIS StoryMaps | 1 | |
| ArcGIS Experience Builder | ||
| ArcGIS AppStudio |
- 1. Minimal
- 2. Using Arcade
Use case examples
Below are examples of use cases that will help guide you on selecting the right low-code/no-code app to build with.
Create a restaurant finder app
I have restaurant data stored in an Excel spreadsheet. My data contains restaurant location, number of staff, cost and revenue information. The requirement is to quickly create a web app to allow my team to view this information on a monthly basis. What app should I build?
Steps
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Import your data into ArcGIS organization.
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Create a web map from your data.
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Below is a list of low-code/no-code builders for the use case.
Low-code/no-code Workflow focused templates Configuration Customization SupportedSupportedNot supportedSupportedSupportedNot supportedMinimalSupportedSupported
Example
In this example, use ArcGIS Instant Apps to build a web app since it is workflow focused and allows you to quickly create an app with minimal configuration.
Create desktop and mobile app
As a Defense Intel analyst, I have a list of armory locations in an Excel spreadsheet, and I am instructed to build an app that will need to be desktop and mobile friendly to display these locations. What are my options for building this app?
Steps
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Import your data into ArcGIS organization.
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Create a web map from your data.
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Below is a list of low-code/no-code builders for the use case.
Low-code/no-code Web Support Mobile Support Full SupportMobile responsiveFull SupportMobile responsiveFull SupportMobile optimized
Example
In this example, use ArcGIS Instant Apps to build a web app since it is mobile responsive and supports the display of information in an intuitive manner.
Create an app to monitor real-time data
I have a list of assets and utility locations, and I am required to build an app that will show current statuses of these locations. My data will be updated on an hourly basis. Additionally, the app will need to monitor, manage and maintain these assets. What are low-code/no-code app can I build?
Steps
-
Import your data into ArcGIS organization.
-
Create a web map from your data.
-
Below is a list of low-code/no-code builders for the use case.
Low-code/no-code Elements to display real-time data Full support with minimal configurationPartial support with minimal configurationPartial support with minimal configurationRequires configuration
Example
In this example, use ArcGIS Dashboards to build a web app given it promotes the display and monitoring of information in an intuitive manner.
Create a walking tour app
As an owner of a walking tour company in the city of Savannah, GA, I want to create an app for self-guided walking tours for both desktop and mobile devices which will display historical facts of sections of the city.
Steps
-
Import your data into ArcGIS organization.
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Create a web map from your data.
-
Below is a list of low-code/no-code builders for the use case.
Low-code/no-code Templates for narrative text Full SupportPartial support with minimal configurationPartial support with minimal configuration
Example
In this example, use ArcGIS StoryMaps to build a web app since it promotes the display of narrative text and media in an intuitive manner.
Tutorials
The examples above uses tools to create different types of content and build low-code/no-code applications.
Import data as a feature layer
Use data management tools to import and create hosted feature layers.
ArcGIS Online Location Platform dashboard
Create a web map
Use Map Viewer to create a web map for your application.
Map Viewer
Style layers in a web map
Use Map Viewer to style layers in a web map.
ArcGIS Online Map Viewer
Tools
Use tools to access the ArcGIS organization and create and manage content for low-code/no-code applications.