How GIS Can Bring Clarity and Balance to Your Life

How GIS Enhances Your Connection to the World and How to Start Using It with Living Atlas

Did you know that understanding GIS can deepen your connection to the world around you?

At GeoLivity, we believe geospatial science isn’t just for maps. It’s a lens to see patterns, make smarter decisions, and live with more balance and purpose.

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What is GIS and Why Does It Matter?

GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, helps us understand how people, places, and natural systems interact. It’s about turning data into insights, whether you’re analyzing community resources, tracking environmental change, or simply exploring your local landscape. Using GIS can guide your choices and bring clarity to your life, showing you how to align your decisions with what truly matters.

At GeoLivity, we’re committed to making this science accessible. We share practical tips and real-world applications to help you see how GIS fits into your daily life. From analyzing where your food comes from to mapping local trails, GIS empowers you to be more informed and intentional.

Getting Started with ArcGIS Online and Living Atlas

One of the best ways to explore GIS without expensive software is by using a free ArcGIS Online Public Account and the Esri Living Atlas of the World. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create Your Account

   
   

   • Visit https://www.arcgis.com/home/createaccount.html to sign up for a free Public Account. It’s quick and gives you access to the basic tools you need.

   
   

2. Sign In

   
   

   • Go to https://www.arcgis.com/ and sign in using your new account details.

   
   

3. Explore the Living Atlas

   
   

   • From your homepage, click “Content” then “Living Atlas.” This is a massive library of authoritative maps, layers, and data on topics like climate, transportation, health, and population.

   
   

4. Search and Add Layers

   
   

   • Use the search bar in Living Atlas to find layers you’re interested in, like land cover maps or global temperature trends. Click “Add to Map” to start working with them.

   
   

5. Create and Customize a Map

   
   

   • Use the Map Viewer to add layers, adjust symbology, and customize pop-ups. You can create a map that tells a story or highlights a pattern you care about.

   
   

6. Save and Share

   
   

   • Save your map to your account. You can share it publicly or just keep it private for your personal exploration.

   
   

7. Use Available Analysis Tools

   
   

   • While Public Accounts have limited analysis tools, you can still create meaningful maps and see how different data layers overlap.

   
   

Where to Find More Guidance

If you’re new to GIS, don’t worry—there are excellent resources to help you get started:

• Esri Living Atlas of the World: https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/

  Explore ready-to-use maps and data layers on any topic you care about.

• ArcGIS Online Help: https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/

  Step-by-step instructions and helpful articles to guide you.

• Learn ArcGIS: https://learn.arcgis.com/

  Free tutorials and projects to build your skills.

• ArcGIS Blog: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/

  Real-world examples and updates from the GIS community.

Embrace the Power of Geospatial Insight

When you start working with GIS, you’ll see how it brings new depth to your daily life. Whether you are creating a map of your neighborhood or visualizing global change, GIS helps you find connections that might otherwise go unnoticed.

At GeoLivity, we’re here to support your journey. We’ll continue sharing insights and resources to help you use GIS in ways that promote balance and stewardship. Ready to dive in? Explore Living Atlas today and see how geospatial data can inform your choices and deepen your connection to the world around you.

If you have any questions or want to share how GIS has made a difference in your life, drop us a message at info@geolivity.com.

Let’s map out a balanced life together.