MapBuilder | Global Forest Watch

MapBuilder

Want to create a version of the Global Forest Watch map, featuring your own data? MapBuilder is an easy to use tool which enables users to combine their own datasets with GFW’s cutting-edge data and analysis tools.

Compelling data

Combine GFW datasets, dozens of layers available through ArcGIS Online and your own uploaded data.

Powerful analysis

Leverage GFW’s powerful geospatial analysis tools including tree cover loss, land cover composition and GLAD alert analysis.

Proven platform

MapBuilder integrates with both organizational and free public ArcGIS Online accounts as an application template.

Broad reach

Applications can be deployed as stand-alone websites, embedded into your website or shared using integrated social media tools.

Start building your GFW MapBuilder

Here's your 1-2-3 guide on getting started.

Step-by-step tutorials and videos teach you how to set up an ArcGIS Online account, create your MapBuilder and share your map online. Tutorials are available for both public and organization ArcGIS accounts.

Add data layers to your ArcGIS Online webmap and combine your data with GFW data layers using the GFW MapBuilder application template.

Easily embed your MapBuilder into your own website, share the link with colleagues and peers or use integrated social media tools for sharing.

Featured maps

A hand-picked selection of GFW maps and applications built by our user community. Imagine your map or app here!

Tropical forest Alliance 2020: Mapping of Partner Initiatives

View a map of TFA 2020 Partner Initiatives.

2S2D: Système de suivi de la dégradation et la déforestation au Cameroun

Monitoring platform that provides reliable and near real-time information on causes of forest loss in Cameroon.

Paraguay Indigenous Lands

View maps of community and indigenous lands and territories in Paraguay alongside other relevant contextual information.

LandMark

Global platform of indigenous and community lands.

High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF) Web Portal

Clearinghouse for HCVF data for various stakeholders, including forest companies and NGOs, in Russia.

Global Forest Link

Online platform for students to engage with GFW data in their communities.

Tutorials

Just getting started? Or need some help? Our tutorials will get you pointed in the right direction.

Create and use an API key

To make most requests to the GFW Data API using third-party applications (e.g., scripts or websites), you need an API key. An API key allows GFW to determine which applications are using the API so we can notify them about breaking changes and to reduce the chance of inappropriate usage that will disrupt services for […]

Query data for a custom geometry

Users can get data for a custom geometry in the GFW Data API with a POST request pattern that includes the dataset name, the datasets version, and body data. This tutorial will walk through this pattern, describe how to request a downloadable file instead of streaming data, and provide example requests. Understand the basic pieces […]

Discover datasets in the data catalog

The GFW Data API provides access to many different datasets that users can visualize, analyze, and download. This tutorial will walk through how the data catalog is structured and how to discover specific datasets to work with. Data catalog The GFW Data API catalog organizes datasets in a three-level hierarchy that can be visualized in […]

Adjust MapBuilder configuration settings

MapBuilder offers several ways to customize an application. This information will enable you to customize an application by changing specific properties within the code.

Register services with a free public ArcGIS Online account

If you have a GIS Server, you can register services with your ArcGIS Online account. Registering services will add them as items in your account.

Add data to an organizational ArcGIS Online account

Learn how to publish a shapefile as a feature service to ArcGIS Online so that it can be added as a data layer on your web map.