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Welcome to the gfw-mapbuilder wiki!

Overview

Mapbuilder is an easy tool to help you build your own mapping application, complete with powerful analytical tools and core GFW data layers. Using GFW's public Application Programming Interface (API) and open source code, anyone can build on GFW data and technology to create customized web-based forest monitoring platforms.

Users can integrate their own data layers into the application, add tools for statistical and geospatial analyses and share the application with others. Mapbuilder has been used with more than a dozen countries to build national platforms for forests and land use monitoring. Through the GFW program and other WRI projects, it benefits from long term funding and support. GFW’s technical team with help from professional software developers continues to maintain the code, and implement new features based on user needs. The code is hosted by WRI and is published under an open source (MIT) license to encourage its free use and adaptation.

By design, Mapbuilder integrates well with ArcGIS Online and can be used as an application template, leveraging ArcGIS Online’s powerful mapping and data hosting capabilities. However, data can also be hosted in other environments such as Map Server or GeoServer. Users who select this hosting approach can register their services with a free ArcGIS online account. Mapbuilder also supports OGC standards such as WMS and Tile Services. Please view our videos to learn how build a Mapbuilder using your Organization ArcGIS Online account or a free Public ArcGIS Online accounts.

Mapbuilder can also be configured by manipulating a json. file and users with basic coding skills can use this option to add additional customization. For more details on how to configure your application by editing the JSON file please view the configuration section of the wiki. Applications built using mapbuilder can be also be embedded inside your own website or published as stand alone websites.