Note:
This topic includes information related to Map Viewer Classic. An enhanced map viewer is now available. Open Map Viewer from the app launcher to get started. To learn more, see the Map Viewer help documentation.
The following is a quick reference for viewing maps in Map Viewer Classic.
1. See map details
Details includes options to see information about the map, the map contents, and a legend.
- The About button
displays descriptive information about the map, such as a summary, the map owner, the last modification date,
user ratings, and a link to more detailed information. - The Content button
displays a list of the layers in the map. Click the
name of the group layer to see the individual layers in the group.
Uncheck the box to the right of the name to turn off (hide)
the layer. Check the box to the left of the name to turn on
(display) the layer. Click the
arrow to the right of the layer name and click Show Item Details or Description to open a page with detailed information about the layer. - The Legend button
displays a legend for layers in the map. You will not see a legend for basemaps, layers that are not accessible externally, or layers in which the map author has hidden the legend.
2. Edit features
If you see an Edit button, you are viewing a map with an editable feature layer (and you have privileges to edit features). Use the Edit button to add, change, or remove the features on the map.
3. Perform analysis
Use analysis tools to find patterns, understand relationships, and make decisions about the data in your map. The Analysis button appears when you are signed in with an organizational account that has privileges to perform analysis.
4. Navigate
Use the following options to navigate the map:
- To
zoom, use the Zoom in button
and the Zoom out button 
, the mouse and wheel button, or press Shift + Plus Sign (zoom in) and Shift + Minus Sign (zoom out) on the keyboard.. To zoom in, you can also press the Shift key while dragging a box on the map. - To zoom the map to its initial extent, click the Default extent button
. You can also browse the map to a predefined extent through a bookmark. - To pan, use your mouse or the arrow keys on your keyboard.
- To find your current location, click the Find my location button
. You may need to authorize the site to access your location information. Your results may vary based on your connection type, internet service provider, physical location, network, and browser. - To open an overview map, click
the
Overview map button
in the upper right corner. - If you're using a Mac with OS X 10.6 or later, you can use multitouch gestures by dragging two fingers to pan and zoom the map. The default behavior is to pan. To zoom in or out, press and hold the Shift key. Dragging two fingers toward you zooms in; dragging two fingers away zooms out.
5. View pop-ups
Pop-ups display the attributes associated with each feature layer in the map, such as hiking trails, land values, or unemployment rates. They can contain images and charts and you can link to external web pages.
6. Share
If you see a Share button, you have privileges to share a map. Your sharing options depend on your privileges and can include posting maps on a social networking site, sending an email with a link, embedding maps in a website or blog, and creating apps with maps.
7. Print
Use the Print drop-down menu to display a printer-friendly web page of your map. You have the option of printing only the map or the map and its legend. Once the print page has finished loading, you can use your browser's print option to print a complete and well-formatted map. Layers that are not accessible externally, KML ground overlays, and network links without refresh properties do not appear on a printed map.
Tip:
If your organization has configured custom print layouts, you will see them listed in the Print drop-down menu. Choose the layout you want to use for printing.
8. Get directions
Use Directions 
to get a set of turn-by-turn driving and walking directions. The button appears when you are signed in with an organizational account that includes privileges to use network analysis.
9. Measure
Use Measure 
to measure the area of a polygon or the length of a line or to view the coordinates of a point.
10. Access bookmarks
Use Bookmarks 
to access a set of predefined locations on the map. If you are a map author, you can create bookmarks.
11. Search
Enter keywords into the search box at the top of Map Viewer Classic to find locations on the map, such as addresses, places, and points of interest.
12. Understand map scale
The scale bar shows the scale of the map, which is set by the basemap. If you zoom beyond the visibility of the basemap, the map may not draw correctly. Your administrator sets the default units for the scale bar (and measure tool, directions, and analysis). United States standard sets the units to miles, feet, and inches; metric sets the units to kilometers, meters, and centimeters. You can change the units you see by editing your profile.
13. View data over time
If you see a time slider at the bottom of the map, you can play the map to see how the information changes over time.