Display maps, scenes, and layers
Maps, scenes, and layers are the foundation for all visual mapping applications. Maps are used to build 2D applications and scenes are used to build 3D applications. Maps and scenes both use layers to display different types of geographic data. The data is typically provided from the basemap layer service and data services.
Learn more in the topics below.
Topics
Maps (2D)
Learn how to display layers in 2D.
Scenes (3D)
Learn how to display layers in 3D.
Basemap layers
Learn how to display basemap layers from the basemap layer service.
Data layers
Learn how to display data from data services and files.
Graphics
Learn how to display visual elements on a map or scene.
Tutorials
Display a map
Create and display a map with the basemap layer service.
Display a scene
Display a scene with the basemap layer service.
Add a point, line, and polygon
Display point, line, and polygon graphics in a map.
Add a feature layer
Access and display point, line, and polygon features from a feature service
Display a web map
Create and display a map from a web map.
Display a web scene
Create and display a scene from a web scene.
Change the basemap layer
Switch a basemap layer from streets to satellite imagery.
Create a web map
Use Map Viewer to create a web map for your application.
Create a web scene
Use Scene Viewer to create a web scene for your application.
Services
Basemap layer service
Access streets, satellite, and other basemap styles for maps and scenes.
Feature service
Add, update, delete, and query feature data.
Vector tile service
Store and access vector tile data.
Image tile service
Store and access image tile data.
API support
| 2D Display | 3D Display | Basemap layers | Data layers | Graphics | Web maps | Web scenes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ArcGIS API for JavaScript | |||||||
| ArcGIS Runtime API for Android | |||||||
| ArcGIS Runtime API for iOS | |||||||
| ArcGIS Runtime API for Java | |||||||
| ArcGIS Runtime API for .NET | |||||||
| ArcGIS Runtime API for Qt | |||||||
| ArcGIS API for Python | |||||||
| Esri Leaflet | 1 | 2 | |||||
| MapLibre GL JS | 1 | 2 | |||||
| OpenLayers | 1 | 2 | |||||
| ArcGIS REST JS | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
- 1. Access via Feature layer or Image tile layer.
- 2. Access via layers.
- 3. Access via HTTP request and authentication.
Tools
Developer dashboard
Manage API keys, service usage, and data with the ArcGIS Developers website.
ArcGIS Online
Create, manage, and share content and data with cloud-based GIS tools.
Map Viewer
Create, explore, and share web maps for 2D applications.
Scene Viewer
Create, explore, and share web scenes for 3D applications.
Vector tile style editor
Style vector tile basemap layers for applications.
ArcGIS Pro
Explore, visualize, and analyze both 2D and 3D data with desktop GIS tools.