Searching for layers

One option for adding information to your map is to find existing layers from your organization, ArcGIS Online, Esri, the web, or a GIS server. ArcGIS Online includes content you've added, content from groups you belong to, and public content. Esri Map Layers include world traffic and demographics. Layers you search for can be ArcGIS Server map, image, and feature services; KML documents; and OGC web services.

By default, you find layers in your organization. If you are not a member of an organization, by default, you find layers in ArcGIS Online. When you search for layers in your organization, ArcGIS Online, or Esri Map Layers, the results are based on the current extent of your map. For example, if your map is zoomed to Nevada, your search results are ordered and based on your map extent. Changing your map extent to Pennsylvania typically returns different results (depending on your keywords). All layers that overlap your current map extent (and match your keywords) are returned.

In addition to your organization and ArcGIS Online, you can search the web, a GIS server, and Esri Map Layers. A web search finds ArcGIS Server services published by organizations that have made them available on public servers accessible on the web. A web search does not find OGC WMS or KML layers. A GIS server search lets you specify a URL to an ArcGIS server you know about and see a list of services on that server. You can also enter the URL of an ArcGIS Server service, then add that service from the list of results. Map, image, and feature services are supported.

The option to search in Esri Map Layers appears if you are signed in with an organizational account. This search finds selected map layers published by Esri, such as demographic and traffic maps, that are available for you to add to your map. Esri map layers may require an organizational subscription to access and, in some cases, consume credits. These are identified in the item description.

To search for an existing layer to add to your map, follow the steps below.

Steps:

1. Open the ArcGIS.com map viewer.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Choose Search for Layers.
4. Enter keywords within the Find field.
5. Choose where you want to search for layers—My Organization, The Web, A GIS Server, ArcGIS Online, or Esri Map Layers.

   You need to be signed in with an organizational account to see the Esri Map Layers option.

6. Click the Go button. A list of layers that relate to the keywords you entered appears.
7. Click a title to see a pop-up summary of the layer, or click the Add button to the right of the title to add the layer to your map.
8. Click the Done Adding Layers button to close the Search for layers to add window.