Special ArcGIS.com makes maps and layers, such as this map of the Gulf oil spill, available via many methods including ArcGIS Explorer Online. more easily shared. A companion article in this section, “Superior Results in a Fraction of the Time: Map templates enhance productivity and skills,” describes how to use free map templates available from Esri to design more professional-looking maps quickly. A Platform for Sharing Maps and Map Content For the last several years, ArcGIS online has provided a common platform for ArcGIS users to discover and share geographic content and build GIS applications. Users can directly connect to maps, layers, tasks, and tools published by Esri and other ArcGIS users. Users can collaborate with other users who share a common interest and develop Web applications using ArcGIS Web Mapping APIs and ready-to-use ArcGIS online content that is continually updated. ArcGIS online is hosted by Esri and powered by ArcGIS Server. Every ArcGIS user has 1 gigabyte of free storage. ArcGIS online is evolving from a destination to an integrated and integral aspect of the ArcGIS user experience for providing data, tools, and sharing. Content can be shared with the entire GIS community or specific groups and it is available 24/7, hosted by Esri. ArcGIS.com is a new platform that will give GIS users an easy way to find, use, and share content from Esri and other users and employ services, such as geocoding, gazetteer, and routing. All ArcGIS.com resources will be available at no charge to current ArcGIS users for internal and noncommercial use. Basemap galleries make it easy to locate ready-to-use imagery, street, topographic, and thematic maps from Esri. The tools available at ArcGIS.com include Web mapping applications, Web GIS applications, mobile applications, ArcGIS Explorer Online, and code and application templates. JavaScript, Flex, and Silverlight APIs; ArcGIS online applications such as Business Analyst Online; and cloud services are also available at the site. Resources For more information on sharing GIS resources, visit the Esri Resource Center (resources. esri.com/maptemplates) and the Esri Mapping Center (mappingcenter.esri.com). An Esri instructor-led class, Creating and Publishing Maps with ArcGIS, is also available. Visit www.esri.com/training to learn more about this class. www.esri.com ArcUser Summer 2010 47