Create a project in ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS / Esri. Watch the process, then make the practice product using your own data and decisions.
Watch recommended videoRecorded with ArcGIS Pro 2.9. Follow the current written steps when your interface differs.
Start an ArcGIS Pro Project and Make a First Map
Create a Map project, add supplied local data, organize the map, save the project, and export a simple image. ArcGIS Pro needs a valid license; this lesson does not assume every student has UVA access.
What you will make
A saved .aprx project with a map containing two supplied layers and a PNG preview.
A project keeps maps, layouts, connections, and settings together, while the data itself may live in separate files or databases. Understanding that distinction helps prevent broken links and makes a small planning map easier to reopen and share.
- Create and save a Map project.
- Add local data and distinguish the project from its data sources.
- Save a map view and export a readable PNG.
Before you start
- Basic mouse and file-navigation skills.
- ArcGIS Pro access through a valid license. UVA access may vary; this lesson uses local supplied files and does not require an online portal account.
- Starter data: open the Townscape Workshop GIS downloads, choose Bluefield or a Dickenson County town, unzip the package, and read its README and metadata. Use its supplied building and street layers for practice; they are not an authoritative parcel or assessment inventory.
Project connections: Bluefield VA comprehensive plan; Haysi downtown; Clintwood downtown reuse and housing; Red Onion industrial site marketing; Clinchco and Nora workforce and former-school reuse.
Watch and try it
Create a project video
Esri ArcGIS Pro documentation. Esri's project tutorial page links to its embedded video and demonstrates starting a Map project.
Watch recommended videoOfficial Esri tutorial page links to the YouTube embed. Video was created with ArcGIS Pro 2.9; use current help for interface differences. Sample data may require portal access.
Work through the method
Create the project
Open ArcGIS Pro and choose the Map project template. Give the project a short name and select a working folder you can find again. Keep the default project folder option unless the course directions specify otherwise.
Check your work: A map opens and the project name appears in the application.
Find the project pieces
Open the Catalog pane and expand the project. Notice the .aprx project, home folder, default file geodatabase, and toolbox connection. The project records connections to data; it does not automatically contain every referenced dataset.
Check your work: Locate the default geodatabase and the folder where the project is saved.
Add local data
Use Map > Add Data to browse to the supplied boundary and destination files. Add them to the active map. If you do not have a portal connection, continue with the local practice files rather than signing up for an account just for this lesson.
Check your work: Both layers appear in Contents and draw in the map.
Check and arrange layers
Use Contents to turn each layer on and off, drag layers to change drawing order, and right-click a layer to zoom to it. Open an attribute table to verify that the data contains expected fields.
Check your work: The study area is framed and neither layer hides the other.
Save a durable project
Press Ctrl+S. Keep the .aprx and any locally supplied data in a stable folder structure. If you move source data later, repair its connection rather than assuming the project file carried the dataset with it.
Check your work: The project saves without a broken-source warning.
Export a preview
With the map view active, use Share > Export Map. Choose PNG, set a useful file name, and inspect the exported image. A map-view export reflects its extent and pixel dimensions; it is not a page layout.
Check your work: The PNG opens and includes all intended features.
Build a two-layer project
- Start a new Map project in a folder you can locate later.
- Add the supplied local study-area boundary and one point or line layer.
- Inspect one table and arrange the layer draw order for a clear view.
- Save the project and export a PNG preview.
Bring the method into a product
- ArcGIS Pro .aprx project
- PNG map preview
Suggested formats: APRX, PNG.
Reflect: Which files would a classmate need in addition to your .aprx to reopen the project on another computer?
Avoid these mistakes
- A project file stores connections to external datasets, not necessarily copies of those datasets.
- A map-view export is not a page layout and may crop to its chosen pixel shape.
- UVA software access and portal privileges can vary; do not treat them as universally available.
Check your understanding
These short checks are practice, not course grades. Read the explanation, revise your reasoning and try again when useful.
Submit your practice product
Use the existing course login. Your file and notes are visible to you and the instructor, not the public or other students. Official graded assignments still go to Canvas.
Submit a PDF, image, DOCX, UTF-8 text/CSV, JSON or GeoJSON file. For several products, combine the evidence, text alternatives and notes into one accessible PDF or DOCX, or submit each file separately with the same project title. Keep native ArcGIS projects and complete shapefile bundles locally. Upload only work you can share with the instructor; leave out confidential client records and sensitive species or infrastructure locations.
My academy workSources and further help
- Create a project
Esri ArcGIS Pro documentation. Project contents, Map template, default geodatabase, folder, and project creation steps; ArcGIS Pro Basic and portal requirements for the full tutorial.
- Add data to a project
Esri ArcGIS Pro documentation. Adding data from a project geodatabase and local folder; ArcGIS Pro Basic requirement and portal caveat for the bundled tutorial package.
- Introduction to exporting a map or layout
Esri ArcGIS Pro documentation. Exporting an active map view or layout and supported PDF and PNG formats.
- Townscape Workshop: GIS starter packages
Course workshop. Download existing town-scale building and street packages with source notes and use constraints.
Guidance may change. Follow the current source and check the software version, license, local rules and data limitations before applying the method.