The Best ArcGIS Online Templates for Interactive Maps

Interactive mapping has become essential for organizations looking to visualize data, tell stories, and engage audiences through compelling geographic content. ArcGIS Online offers powerful templating solutions that enable users to create professional interactive maps without extensive coding knowledge. With significant platform changes in 2025, understanding the current template landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about your mapping projects.

The Platform Transition: From Configurable Apps to Instant Apps

The ArcGIS Online ecosystem has undergone a major transition in 2025. Configurable Apps, which served as the primary templating solution for years, are being retired. This shift marks the evolution toward ArcGIS Instant Apps, a more streamlined and user-friendly approach to creating interactive web applications.

ArcGIS Instant Apps is included with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise, representing a new generation of lightweight, configurable web applications designed for rapid deployment. These templates eliminate the need for extensive development skills while maintaining the flexibility to create sophisticated interactive experiences. The platform focuses on intuitive configuration options that allow users to customize their maps for specific use cases and audiences.

Getting Started Resources:

• Introduction to ArcGIS Instant Apps – Official documentation
• Create and Publish Your First App – Step-by-step tutorial
• ArcGIS Instant Apps Resources – Tutorials and community resources

Top ArcGIS Instant Apps Templates for Interactive Mapping

1. Basic (Media Map) Template

The Basic template, also known as Media Map, serves as the foundation for many interactive mapping projects. This versatile template has evolved significantly, with new configuration options that enhance its interactive capabilities. The recent addition of sketch tools allows users to draw, annotate, and markup maps directly within the application.

Best Use Cases:

• General-purpose map viewing and exploration
• Educational presentations with annotation capabilities
• Simple data visualization with interactive elements
• Community engagement projects requiring user input

Key Features:

• Intuitive navigation controls
• Popup configuration for detailed information display
• Layer visibility controls
• Mobile-responsive design
• Sketch and annotation tools

2. Compare Template

The Compare template addresses one of the most common needs in geographic analysis: side-by-side comparison of different maps, time periods, or scenarios. This template provides an elegant solution for before-and-after visualizations and comparative analysis.

Best Use Cases:

• Urban development planning (before/after scenarios)
• Environmental impact assessments
• Historical map comparisons
• Policy impact visualization
• Disaster response and recovery documentation

Key Features:

• Split-screen or swipe comparison modes
• Synchronized navigation between maps
• Layer-specific comparison options
• Timeline controls for temporal data
• Export capabilities for presentations

3. Category Gallery Template

The Category Gallery template transforms your map collection into an organized, searchable gallery. This group-based application allows users to create curated collections of maps, scenes, apps, and layers with sophisticated filtering capabilities.

Best Use Cases:

• Organizational map portals
• Thematic map collections (demographics, environment, infrastructure)
• Educational resource libraries
• Multi-department data sharing
• Public information hubs

Key Features:

• Category-based organization
• Advanced search and filtering
• Thumbnail previews with descriptions
• User-friendly browsing interface
• Integration with ArcGIS Online groups

4. Manager Template

The Manager template bridges the gap between viewing and editing, providing users with the ability to modify both geometric and attribute data within a structured interface. This template supports multiple maps and offers both map and table views for comprehensive data management.

Best Use Cases:

• Field data collection and editing
• Asset management systems
• Crowdsourced data initiatives
• Inventory management
• Maintenance tracking applications

Key Features:

• Geometry editing tools
• Attribute table editing
• Multi-map support
• User permission controls
• Data validation options
• Offline editing capabilities

5. Reporter Template

The Reporter template specializes in data collection and crowdsourcing applications. It provides a streamlined interface for users to submit reports, observations, and other geographic information, making it ideal for community engagement and citizen science projects.

Best Use Cases:

• Issue reporting systems (potholes, graffiti, infrastructure problems)
• Citizen science data collection
• Event reporting and documentation
• Service request management
• Community feedback gathering

Key Features:

• Form-based data entry
• Photo and attachment support
• Location capture (GPS or manual)
• Submission confirmation and tracking
• Administrative review workflows

Enhanced Interactive Capabilities

Modern ArcGIS Instant Apps templates come equipped with sophisticated interactive features that enhance user engagement and analytical capabilities:

Measurement and Analysis Tools: Users can interactively measure distances, areas, and elevation profiles directly within the application. These tools support both 2D and 3D measurements, providing comprehensive spatial analysis capabilities.

Multi-Dimensional Viewing: The platform supports seamless switching between 2D and 3D views, allowing users to explore data from different perspectives and gain deeper insights into spatial relationships.

Layer Comparison Tools: Advanced swipe and transparency tools enable users to compare different layers and datasets dynamically, facilitating better understanding of spatial patterns and relationships.

Export and Sharing Options: Built-in export capabilities allow users to generate PDF files or screenshots for presentations and reports, while sharing options enable easy distribution of interactive maps across different platforms and audiences.

Complementary Storytelling Solutions

While Instant Apps excel at creating focused interactive experiences, ArcGIS StoryMaps continues to serve as the platform’s premier storytelling solution. StoryMaps combine interactive maps with multimedia content, creating narrative-driven experiences that can educate, influence, and inspire action.

StoryMaps integration with interactive maps allows for sophisticated storytelling approaches that combine the analytical power of geographic visualization with compelling narrative structures. This combination is particularly effective for advocacy, education, and public engagement initiatives.

ArcGIS StoryMaps Resources:

• What is ArcGIS StoryMaps? – Complete introduction
• Getting Started Guide – Basic tutorial for your first story
• How to Use ArcGIS StoryMaps – Developer documentation

Best Practices for Template Selection

Choosing the right template requires careful consideration of your project objectives, audience needs, and technical requirements:

Define Your Primary Objective: Start by identifying whether your primary goal is data exploration, comparison, collection, or storytelling. This will guide you toward the most appropriate template category.

Consider User Experience: Evaluate your audience’s technical comfort level and device preferences. Some templates work better for expert users, while others are optimized for general public engagement.

Plan for Scalability: Consider whether your application needs might evolve over time. Some templates offer more flexibility for future enhancements and customization.

Test Across Devices: Ensure your chosen template performs well across different devices and screen sizes, particularly if you expect significant mobile usage.

Future Considerations and Platform Evolution

The transition to Instant Apps represents Esri’s commitment to simplifying the creation of interactive mapping applications while maintaining powerful functionality. This platform evolution reflects broader trends toward low-code/no-code solutions that democratize access to sophisticated mapping capabilities.

As the platform continues to evolve, users can expect regular updates and new template options that address emerging use cases and technological capabilities. Stay informed about developments through the What’s New documentation to ensure your interactive mapping projects remain current and effective.

Additional Learning Resources:

• How to Use ArcGIS Instant Apps – Developer guide
• App Requirements and Browser Support – Technical specifications
• Explore and Manage Apps – Administrative guidance

The retirement of Configurable Apps and the emergence of ArcGIS Instant Apps mark a significant evolution in the ArcGIS Online ecosystem. The current template offerings provide robust solutions for a wide range of interactive mapping needs, from basic visualization to sophisticated data collection and analysis.

Success with these templates depends on matching the right tool to your specific objectives and audience needs. The Basic (Media Map), Compare, Category Gallery, Manager, and Reporter templates each serve distinct purposes while offering the flexibility to create engaging, professional interactive mapping experiences.

As organizations increasingly recognize the power of geographic visualization for communication and decision-making, these templates provide accessible pathways to creating impactful interactive maps that inform, engage, and inspire action. The key is understanding your specific needs and leveraging the appropriate template’s strengths to achieve your mapping objectives effectively.