A web map is a JSON object that contains the settings for a map A map is a collection of layers that are displayed in 2D. It is typically composed of a basemap layer and data layers. Learn more . It it typically stored in ArcGIS Platform ArcGIS Location Platform, formerly known as ArcGIS Platform, is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) product that gives developers access to location services, APIs, and tools to build mapping and spatial analysis applications. It is subscription-based and requires an ArcGIS Location Platform account. Learn more where it can be accessed by a number of different applications. The Web Map Specification describes the structure for the JSON object. a web map. Adhering to the web map specification allows your applications to create, edit, and render any web map hosted on the ArcGIS Platform. For a more general overview of web maps, refer to Introduction to web maps. If you’re interested in learning more about the Web Map Specification, get started by reading about the top level structure of the web map object.