ArcGIS Core Maps
Use this skill when creating 2D maps (MapView) or 3D scenes (SceneView) with the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript.
Import Patterns
Direct ESM Imports (Recommended for Build Tools)
Use with Vite, webpack, Rollup, or other build tools:
import Map from "@arcgis/core/Map.js";
import MapView from "@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js";
import FeatureLayer from "@arcgis/core/layers/FeatureLayer.js";
- Tree-shakeable
- Standard JavaScript modules
- Best for production applications
Dynamic Imports (CDN / No Build Tools)
Use with CDN script tags when no build step is available:
const Map = await $arcgis.import("@arcgis/core/Map.js");
const MapView = await $arcgis.import("@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js");
// Multiple imports
const [FeatureLayer, Graphic] = await $arcgis.import([
"@arcgis/core/layers/FeatureLayer.js",
"@arcgis/core/Graphic.js",
]);
- Works with Map Components (web components)
- No build step required
- Good for quick prototypes and demos
- Requires
<script src="https://js.arcgis.com/5.0/"></script>in HTML
Note: The examples in this skill use Direct ESM imports. For CDN usage, replace
import X from "path"withconst X = await $arcgis.import("path").
Autocasting vs Explicit Classes (TypeScript)
The ArcGIS SDK supports autocasting - passing plain objects instead of class instances.
When to Use Explicit Classes (Non-Autocast)
Use new SimpleRenderer(), new Point(), etc. when:
- You need instance methods or
instanceofchecks - Building shared internal libraries - constructor APIs surface breaking changes at compile time
- You want strong editor discoverability -
new SimpleRenderer({ ... })exposes properties clearly - You mutate objects incrementally - long-lived instances are clearer as real classes
import SimpleRenderer from "@arcgis/core/renderers/SimpleRenderer.js";
import SimpleMarkerSymbol from "@arcgis/core/symbols/SimpleMarkerSymbol.js";
const renderer = new SimpleRenderer({
symbol: new SimpleMarkerSymbol({
color: [226, 119, 40],
size: 8,
}),
});
When to Use Autocasting
Use plain objects with type property when:
- Configuration-heavy code - renderers, symbols, popups are usually data, not behavior
- UI-driven configuration - React state → plain objects → SDK properties is simpler
- Serialization and reuse matter - configs can be stored, diffed, tested, reused
- Property updates after creation -
layer.renderer = { ... }works cleanly in ReactuseEffect
// Use 'as const' or 'satisfies' to keep discriminated unions narrow
const renderer = {
type: "simple",
symbol: {
type: "simple-marker",
color: [226, 119, 40],
size: 8,
},
} as const;
// Or with satisfies for better type inference
const renderer = {
type: "simple",
symbol: {
type: "simple-marker",
color: [226, 119, 40],
size: 8,
},
} satisfies __esri.SimpleRendererProperties;
TypeScript Best Practices
The real TypeScript concern is keeping discriminated unions narrow:
// ❌ BAD - type widens to string
const symbol = { type: "simple-marker", color: "red" };
// ✅ GOOD - type stays literal
const symbol = { type: "simple-marker", color: "red" } as const;
// ✅ GOOD - explicit type annotation
const symbol: __esri.SimpleMarkerSymbolProperties = {
type: "simple-marker",
color: "red",
};
Recommended Default
- Autocast for configuration (renderers, symbols, popups, labels)
- Explicit classes for behavior (when you need methods or instanceof)
- Use
as constorsatisfiesto maintain type safety with autocasting
Two Approaches
1. Map Components (Modern - Recommended)
Web components approach using <arcgis-map> and <arcgis-scene>.
2. Core API
Traditional JavaScript approach using Map, MapView, and SceneView classes.
CDN Setup
Map Components Approach
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" />
<title>ArcGIS Map</title>
<style>
html,
body {
height: 100%;
margin: 0;
}
</style>
<!-- Load Calcite components -->
<script
type="module"
src="https://js.arcgis.com/calcite-components/3.3.3/calcite.esm.js"
></script>
<!-- Load ArcGIS Maps SDK -->
<script src="https://js.arcgis.com/5.0/"></script>
<!-- Load Map components -->
<script
type="module"
src="https://js.arcgis.com/5.0/map-components/"
></script>
</head>
<body>
<arcgis-map basemap="topo-vector" center="-118.24,34.05" zoom="12">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
</arcgis-map>
</body>
</html>
Core API Approach
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" />
<title>ArcGIS Map</title>
<style>
html,
body,
#viewDiv {
height: 100%;
margin: 0;
}
</style>
<!-- REQUIRED: main.css for Core API -->
<link
rel="stylesheet"
href="https://js.arcgis.com/5.0/esri/themes/light/main.css"
/>
<script src="https://js.arcgis.com/5.0/"></script>
</head>
<body>
<div id="viewDiv"></div>
<script type="module">
import Map from "@arcgis/core/Map.js";
import MapView from "@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js";
const map = new Map({ basemap: "topo-vector" });
const view = new MapView({
container: "viewDiv",
map: map,
center: [-118.24, 34.05], // [longitude, latitude]
zoom: 12,
});
</script>
</body>
</html>
2D Maps
Map Components
<arcgis-map basemap="topo-vector" center="-118.24,34.05" zoom="12">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
<arcgis-compass slot="top-left"></arcgis-compass>
<arcgis-home slot="top-left"></arcgis-home>
<arcgis-locate slot="top-left"></arcgis-locate>
</arcgis-map>
<script type="module">
const mapElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-map");
await mapElement.viewOnReady(); // Wait for view to be ready
const view = mapElement.view; // Access the MapView
const map = mapElement.map; // Access the Map
</script>
Core API
import Map from "@arcgis/core/Map.js";
import MapView from "@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js";
const map = new Map({ basemap: "streets-vector" });
const view = new MapView({
container: "viewDiv",
map: map,
center: [-118.24, 34.05],
zoom: 12,
// Optional constraints
constraints: {
minZoom: 5,
maxZoom: 18,
rotationEnabled: false,
},
});
3D Scenes
Map Components
<arcgis-scene basemap="topo-3d" ground="world-elevation">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
<arcgis-navigation-toggle slot="top-left"></arcgis-navigation-toggle>
</arcgis-scene>
<script type="module">
const sceneElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-scene");
await sceneElement.viewOnReady();
const view = sceneElement.view; // SceneView
</script>
Core API
import Map from "@arcgis/core/Map.js";
import SceneView from "@arcgis/core/views/SceneView.js";
const map = new Map({
basemap: "topo-3d",
ground: "world-elevation",
});
const view = new SceneView({
container: "viewDiv",
map: map,
camera: {
position: {
longitude: -118.24,
latitude: 34.05,
z: 25000, // altitude in meters
},
heading: 0, // compass direction
tilt: 45, // 0 = straight down, 90 = horizon
},
});
Loading WebMaps and WebScenes
WebMap (2D)
<!-- Map Components -->
<arcgis-map item-id="f2e9b762544945f390ca4ac3671cfa72">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
</arcgis-map>
// Core API
import MapView from "@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js";
import WebMap from "@arcgis/core/WebMap.js";
const webmap = new WebMap({
portalItem: { id: "f2e9b762544945f390ca4ac3671cfa72" },
});
const view = new MapView({
map: webmap,
container: "viewDiv",
});
WebScene (3D)
<!-- Map Components -->
<arcgis-scene item-id="YOUR_WEBSCENE_ID">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
</arcgis-scene>
// Core API
import SceneView from "@arcgis/core/views/SceneView.js";
import WebScene from "@arcgis/core/WebScene.js";
const webscene = new WebScene({
portalItem: { id: "YOUR_WEBSCENE_ID" },
});
const view = new SceneView({
map: webscene,
container: "viewDiv",
});
Navigation Components
| Component | Purpose |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| arcgis-zoom | Zoom in/out buttons |
| arcgis-compass | Orientation indicator, click to reset north |
| arcgis-home | Return to initial extent |
| arcgis-locate | Find user's location |
| arcgis-navigation-toggle | Switch between pan/rotate modes (3D) |
| arcgis-fullscreen | Toggle fullscreen mode |
| arcgis-scale-bar | Display map scale |
Slot Positions
<arcgis-map basemap="streets-vector">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
<arcgis-home slot="top-left"></arcgis-home>
<arcgis-search slot="top-right"></arcgis-search>
<arcgis-legend slot="bottom-left"></arcgis-legend>
<arcgis-scale-bar slot="bottom-right"></arcgis-scale-bar>
</arcgis-map>
Available slots: top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right, top-start, top-end, bottom-start, bottom-end
Component Attributes
The <arcgis-map> / <arcgis-scene> components expose many declarative attributes beyond basemap, center, zoom. High-value ones:
| Attribute | Type | Purpose |
| ------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| item-id | string | Load a WebMap/WebScene from ArcGIS Online or Enterprise |
| rotation | number | Map rotation in degrees |
| scale | number | Initial scale (e.g. 50000 for 1:50,000) |
| extent | Extent (autocast) | Initial visible extent |
| viewpoint | Viewpoint (autocast) | Combined center + scale + rotation |
| spatial-reference | SpatialReference | Coordinate system (WKID) |
| time-extent | TimeExtent | Temporal filter for time-aware layers |
| animations-disabled | boolean | Disable all goTo animations |
| popup-disabled | boolean | Disable the auto-popup on click |
| popup-component-enabled | boolean | Use the new Popup component (beta) instead of the widget |
| auto-destroy-disabled | boolean | Keep the view alive across unmount — critical for React strict mode and SPA route changes |
| attribution-mode | "dark" | "light" | Attribution text theme |
| hide-attribution | boolean | Hide attribution (check the SDK license terms first) |
Some properties are only settable via JavaScript (not as attributes):
| Property | Type | Purpose |
| ------------ | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| padding | ViewPadding | Offset the UI logical area when side panels cover part of the map |
| theme | Theme | Light / dark rendering theme |
| background | ColorBackground | Background color for non-tiled regions |
| graphics | Collection<Graphic> | View-level graphics, independent of any layer |
| highlights | Collection | Up to 6 highlight option sets for feature highlighting |
| analyses | Collection<Analysis> | 3D analyses (line-of-sight, viewshed) — SceneView only |
| aria | ARIAProperties | Accessibility labels and descriptions |
<!-- React / Vue / SPA pattern: keep view alive across unmount -->
<arcgis-map
auto-destroy-disabled
basemap="topo-vector"
center="-118.24,34.05"
zoom="12"
></arcgis-map>
// Layout: offset the UI when a 320px left sidebar covers part of the map
const mapElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-map");
await mapElement.viewOnReady();
mapElement.padding = { left: 320 };
Map Properties
| Property | Type | Description |
| ---------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| basemap | string or Basemap | Base layer(s) for the map |
| ground | string or Ground | Surface properties (elevation) |
| layers | Collection | Operational layers |
| tables | Collection | Non-spatial tables |
| allLayers | Collection (readonly) | Flattened layer collection |
| allTables | Collection (readonly) | Flattened table collection |
| editableLayers | Collection (readonly) | Layers that support editing |
| focusAreas | Collection (readonly) | Focus areas for the map |
Map Methods
| Method | Returns | Purpose |
| ------------------------- | ------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| add(layer, index?) | void | Add a layer, optionally at a specific index |
| addMany(layers, index?) | void | Add multiple layers in one call |
| remove(layer) | Layer | Remove a single layer |
| removeMany(layers) | Layer[] | Remove multiple layers |
| removeAll() | Layer[] | Remove all operational layers |
| reorder(layer, index?) | Layer | Change layer draw order |
| findLayerById(id) | Layer | Find a layer by its id property |
| findTableById(id) | Layer | Find a table by its id property |
| destroy() | void | Release the map, its layers, basemap, ground |
// Add at a specific index (below existing layers)
map.add(baseLayer, 0);
// Batch add for initial setup
map.addMany([featureLayer, graphicsLayer, imageryLayer]);
// Reorder — move a layer to index 2
map.reorder(roadsLayer, 2);
// Lookup by ID (requires `id` to be set on the layer at creation)
const roads = map.findLayerById("roads");
if (roads) roads.visible = false;
Pattern: A single
Mapinstance can be shared across both aMapView(2D) and aSceneView(3D). User interaction happens on the view, not the map, so two views over the same map stay in sync for layers while maintaining independent camera/extent state.
View Configuration
Setting Initial Extent
// By center and zoom
const view = new MapView({
container: "viewDiv",
map: map,
center: [-118.24, 34.05],
zoom: 12,
});
// By scale
const view = new MapView({
container: "viewDiv",
map: map,
center: [-118.24, 34.05],
scale: 50000, // 1:50,000
});
// By extent
const view = new MapView({
container: "viewDiv",
map: map,
extent: {
xmin: -118.5,
ymin: 33.8,
xmax: -117.9,
ymax: 34.3,
spatialReference: { wkid: 4326 },
},
});
Programmatic Navigation
// Go to location
await view.goTo({
center: [-118.24, 34.05],
zoom: 15,
});
// Animated navigation
await view.goTo(
{ center: [-118.24, 34.05], zoom: 15 },
{ duration: 2000, easing: "ease-in-out" },
);
// Go to extent
await view.goTo(layer.fullExtent);
// Go to features
await view.goTo(featureSet.features);
View Constraints
// Constrain zoom levels
view.constraints = {
minZoom: 5,
maxZoom: 18,
};
// Constrain to area
view.constraints = {
geometry: layer.fullExtent,
minScale: 500000,
};
// Disable rotation
view.constraints = {
rotationEnabled: false,
};
View State Properties
| Property | Type | Description |
| ------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| ready | boolean | Whether the view is fully initialized |
| updating | boolean | Whether any layer or the view is updating |
| stationary | boolean | True when no navigation is in progress |
| interacting | boolean | True when user is interacting (pan/zoom) |
| suspended | boolean | True when the view is not visible |
| focused | boolean | True when the view has keyboard focus |
| resolution | number | Map units per pixel |
Event Handling
Component Events
Map Components fire DOM events on the <arcgis-map> / <arcgis-scene> element itself, prefixed with arcgisView. These mirror the view events but can be handled via addEventListener on the element — including before the view is ready.
const mapElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-map");
// Alternative to awaiting viewOnReady()
mapElement.addEventListener("arcgisViewReadyChange", () => {
if (mapElement.ready) {
const view = mapElement.view;
const map = mapElement.map;
// Safe to use view and map here
}
});
When to use which:
- Component events on the element — declarative, framework-friendly, work before the view is ready. Good for React/Vue patterns that want DOM-style event listeners.
- View events via
view.on(...)— imperative, return a handle for cleanup, work identically to Core API code.
Most view events have a corresponding arcgisView* component event. See the arcgis-map component reference for the full list.
View Events
// View ready
view.when(() => {
console.log("View is ready");
});
// Click event
view.on("click", (event) => {
console.log("Clicked at:", event.mapPoint);
});
// Pointer move
view.on("pointer-move", (event) => {
const point = view.toMap(event);
console.log("Mouse at:", point.longitude, point.latitude);
});
// Hit test (identify features under cursor)
view.on("click", async (event) => {
const response = await view.hitTest(event);
if (response.results.length > 0) {
const graphic = response.results[0].graphic;
console.log("Clicked feature:", graphic.attributes);
}
});
// Extent change (using reactiveUtils)
import * as reactiveUtils from "@arcgis/core/core/reactiveUtils.js";
reactiveUtils.watch(
() => view.extent,
(extent) => console.log("Extent changed:", extent),
);
// Stationary (after pan/zoom completes)
reactiveUtils.watch(
() => view.stationary,
(isStationary) => {
if (isStationary) {
console.log("Navigation complete");
}
},
);
View Events Reference
| Event | Description |
| --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| click | User clicks on the view |
| double-click | User double-clicks on the view |
| immediate-click | Fires immediately on click (no double-click delay) |
| pointer-move | Mouse/touch pointer moves over the view |
| pointer-down / pointer-up | Pointer press/release |
| pointer-enter / pointer-leave | Pointer enters/leaves the view |
| key-down / key-up | Keyboard events when view is focused |
| drag | User drags (pan) on the view |
| hold | User holds pointer on the view |
| mouse-wheel | Mouse wheel scroll |
| resize | View container resizes |
| focus / blur | View gains/loses keyboard focus |
| layerview-create | A layer view is created |
| layerview-destroy | A layer view is destroyed |
Common Basemaps
| Basemap ID | Description |
| ------------------ | -------------------------- |
| streets-vector | Street map |
| topo-vector | Topographic |
| satellite | Satellite imagery |
| hybrid | Satellite with labels |
| dark-gray-vector | Dark gray canvas |
| gray-vector | Light gray canvas |
| osm | OpenStreetMap |
| topo-3d | 3D topographic (SceneView) |
Planetary Visualization (Mars)
Mars Scene
<arcgis-scene>
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
<arcgis-navigation-toggle slot="top-left"></arcgis-navigation-toggle>
</arcgis-scene>
<script type="module">
import ElevationLayer from "@arcgis/core/layers/ElevationLayer.js";
import TileLayer from "@arcgis/core/layers/TileLayer.js";
const viewElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-scene");
// Set Mars spatial reference
viewElement.spatialReference = { wkid: 104971 }; // Mars 2000
// Configure camera for Mars
viewElement.camera = {
position: {
x: 27.63423,
y: -6.34466,
z: 1281525,
spatialReference: { wkid: 104971 },
},
heading: 332,
tilt: 37,
};
await viewElement.viewOnReady();
// Mars elevation
const marsElevation = new ElevationLayer({
url: "https://astro.arcgis.com/arcgis/rest/services/OnMars/MDEM200M/ImageServer",
});
viewElement.ground = { layers: [marsElevation] };
// Mars imagery
const marsImagery = new TileLayer({
url: "https://astro.arcgis.com/arcgis/rest/services/OnMars/MDIM/MapServer",
title: "Mars Imagery",
});
viewElement.map.add(marsImagery);
</script>
Overview Map (Synchronized Views)
Overview Map with Scene
<arcgis-scene basemap="hybrid" ground="world-elevation">
<arcgis-zoom slot="top-left"></arcgis-zoom>
<!-- Embed overview map inside scene -->
<arcgis-map
basemap="topo-vector"
id="overviewDiv"
slot="top-right"
></arcgis-map>
</arcgis-scene>
<style>
#overviewDiv {
width: 300px;
height: 200px;
border: 1px solid black;
}
</style>
<script type="module">
import Graphic from "@arcgis/core/Graphic.js";
import * as reactiveUtils from "@arcgis/core/core/reactiveUtils.js";
const sceneElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-scene");
const overviewElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-map");
await sceneElement.viewOnReady();
await overviewElement.viewOnReady();
// Disable rotation on overview
overviewElement.constraints.rotationEnabled = false;
overviewElement.view.ui.components = [];
// Add visible area graphic
const visibleAreaGraphic = new Graphic({
symbol: {
type: "simple-fill",
color: [0, 0, 0, 0.5],
outline: null,
},
});
overviewElement.graphics.add(visibleAreaGraphic);
// Sync overview with main scene
reactiveUtils.watch(
() => sceneElement.visibleArea,
async (visibleArea) => {
visibleAreaGraphic.geometry = visibleArea;
await overviewElement.goTo(visibleArea);
},
{ initial: true },
);
</script>
Reference Samples
intro-mapview- Basic MapView setup and configurationintro-sceneview- Basic SceneView setup for 3Dwebmap-basic- Loading a WebMap from portalwatch-for-changes-reactiveutils- Reactive property watching with reactiveUtilsoverview-map- Creating an overview/inset map
Related Skills
- See
arcgis-layersfor adding data layers to maps. - See
arcgis-starter-appfor project setup and scaffolding. - See
arcgis-core-utilitiesfor reactiveUtils and promiseUtils details. - See
arcgis-interactionfor hit testing, popups, and user interaction.
Common Pitfalls
-
Missing CSS for Core API: The Core API requires
main.cssfor widgets and popups to render correctly.<!-- Anti-pattern: no CSS import --> <script type="module"> import MapView from "@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js"; import Map from "@arcgis/core/Map.js"; const view = new MapView({ container: "viewDiv", map: new Map({ basemap: "topo-vector" }), }); </script><!-- Correct: include the CSS --> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://js.arcgis.com/5.0/esri/themes/light/main.css" /> <script type="module"> import MapView from "@arcgis/core/views/MapView.js"; import Map from "@arcgis/core/Map.js"; const view = new MapView({ container: "viewDiv", map: new Map({ basemap: "topo-vector" }), }); </script>Impact: The map itself renders, but widgets (Zoom, Legend, Search) and popups appear unstyled or completely broken. Layouts collapse and controls become unusable.
-
Not awaiting viewOnReady(): View properties are not available until the view is ready.
// Anti-pattern: accessing view before it is ready const mapElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-map"); const view = mapElement.view; // undefined - view is not ready yet view.goTo({ center: [-118, 34] }); // TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined// Correct: wait for the view to be ready const mapElement = document.querySelector("arcgis-map"); await mapElement.viewOnReady(); const view = mapElement.view; // MapView instance, safe to use view.goTo({ center: [-118, 34] });Impact:
viewisnullorundefinedbefore the component initializes, causing runtime errors on any property access or method call. -
Coordinate order: ArcGIS uses
[longitude, latitude], not[latitude, longitude].// Anti-pattern: lat/lng order (Google Maps convention) const view = new MapView({ center: [34.05, -118.24], // lat first, lng second - WRONG zoom: 12, });// Correct: lng/lat order (ArcGIS convention) const view = new MapView({ center: [-118.24, 34.05], // lng first, lat second zoom: 12, });Impact: The map centers on the wrong location, often in the middle of the ocean or on a different continent, with no error message to indicate the mistake.
-
Missing viewDiv height: Ensure the container has height:
html, body, #viewDiv { height: 100%; margin: 0; } -
Script type: Use
type="module"for async/await support:<script type="module"> // async/await works here </script> -
Layers belong to exactly one Map: Adding a layer to a second
Mapsilently removes it from the first.// Anti-pattern: sharing a layer between two maps expecting both to display it const layer = new FeatureLayer({ url: "..." }); const map1 = new Map({ layers: [layer] }); const map2 = new Map({ layers: [layer] }); // silently removes layer from map1// Correct: create two instances against the same data source const layer1 = new FeatureLayer({ url: "..." }); const layer2 = new FeatureLayer({ url: "..." }); const map1 = new Map({ layers: [layer1] }); const map2 = new Map({ layers: [layer2] });Impact: The layer appears only in the most recently created map, with no error or warning. Common when toggling between 2D and 3D with separate map instances rather than sharing one map across two views.