Module 2 introduces some strategies for finding geospatial data and highlights ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World as one potential data source that easily integrates with other functionality in ArcGIS Online.

Through completing this module, you will:

1. Describe some useful strategies for finding geospatial data
2. Browse and search for content in ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World
3. Access and configure Living Atlas layers using the ArcGIS Online Map Viewer

Complete these two short readings to learn about some strategies for finding geospatial data and an example use case for Living Atlas content.

• Spatial Reserves blog post (Joseph Kerski): Modern Strategies for Finding Geospatial Data (est. 5 min.)
• Living Atlas use case: Mapping Low-Income Communities in the U.S. (est. 5 min.)

In this lesson, you will explore Living Atlas to get a sense of the categories, data layers, and other types of content in this growing collection of resources. You will also practice using Living Atlas content in Map Viewer.

Note: You do not need to complete the third activity in this tutorial (Use Living Atlas in ArcGIS Pro).

• Get Started with ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World (est. 40 min.)
  • In the past, starting a new GIS project meant spending hours, days, or even weeks searching for and processing raw data. But you no longer need to start your projects from scratch. You can use ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World to take advantage of the hard work others have done and benefit your GIS workflow. Living Atlas is an ever-growing collection of curated and authoritative geographic information from around the globe. It includes maps, apps, and data layers you can use, adapt, and analyze in your projects. (Credit: This tutorial was originally developed by Esri's Learn Team.)

Think about the following questions before moving on to Module 3, and reflect on how you might transfer what you are learning to your own work.

1. What types of geospatial data would be required for addressing your research topic or question? Do you think Living Atlas could be a potential source of these data? Why or why not?
2. If you are an instructor, what types or sources of geospatial data would you expect your students to use for their projects? Could the Living Atlas be a useful source of data for your students? How could students use Living Atlas to identify and explore the original sources contributing data to this collection?

• ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World
• Geospatial Data Guide (University Libraries)
  • This guide will help you discover and access geospatial data for use in research and course projects. It is meant to help you get started and features information about common public and licensed sources of geospatial data rather than being an exhaustive list of resources.