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.

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.

Share a MapBuilder application

MapBuilder offers several different ways to share your MapBuilder application, including sharing a URL, sharing via social media and embedding a MapBuilder application within an external website.

Create a MapBuilder application on ArcGIS Online

Once a web map is created on ArcGIS Online, the MapBuilder template can be configured to the web map.

Create a web map on ArcGIS Online

In order to create a MapBuilder application, you will first need to create a web map. A web map is an interactive display of geographic information organized as layers.

Register the MapBuilder template to an organizational ArcGIS Online account

If you have access to an organizational ArcGIS Online account, you may register the MapBuilder template and use it as a configurable mapping application.

Create a custom mapping application using MapBuilder

MapBuilder allows your organization to create and customize a forest monitoring application that leverages GFW’s analysis tools and integrates your own data with core data on GFW.