Getting Started with MapStudio

To get started using MapStudio, follow the steps below. If you need additional assistance, contact ESRI Support.


Step 1: Purchase MapStudio

Call ESRI at 1-800-447-9778 to order your subscription to MapStudio. After you complete the purchasing process, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with an access code for activating your MapStudio license.

Step 2: Activate your MapStudio license

Before you can use MapStudio, you need to activate your license. Do this by logging in to the Map Studio account page with your ESRI Global Account username and password. On the account page, enter the access code you received in your confirmation e-mail in the Activate New Service As a User box and click Go. A browser window appears telling you that your MapStudio license will be activated in a few minutes.

Note:  You must have an ESRI Global Account to log into the Map Studio account page and activate MapStudio. If you don't have an ESRI Global Account, you can create one instantly by clicking Create New Account on the Map Studio account page and following the steps.

Note: You must activate your subscription to MapStudio with your ESRI Global login and access code even if you have been using MapStudio through the AP Graphics Web site.

Step 3: Administer your MapStudio license

The Map Studio account page allows you to manage your MapStudio license. Here, you can perform such actions as releasing your license and viewing service and user profiles. In addition, users with administrative privileges can release licenses from other users who no longer need access to MapStudio (for example, they no longer work for your organization), create and delete your organization's preferences styles and allow other users to be administrators. See Administering your MapStudio license for more information.

Step 4: Open the MapStudio Web site

Once you activate your account for MapStudio, open the MapStudio Web site and start making maps. Each time you open the MapStudio Web site, you need to log in with your ESRI Global Account user name and password. See Opening MapStudio for more information.

Step 5: Set up your MapStudio

MY MAPSTUDIO allows you to customize map styles and add markers and points to use in your maps. All users can view the preference settings and upload and edit markers and points; only administrators can create, edit, and delete style preferences. See Setting up MY MAPSTUDIO for information about setting up your preferences and adding and editing points and markers.

Step 6: Start making maps

Before you start making maps with MapStudio, it is best that you understand the basic concepts behind the application. The easiest way to understand all the features MapStudio has to offer is to complete the quick-start tutorial. You can also learn more about the geographic information system (GIS) concepts behind MapStudio in the GIS concepts section.

Step 7: Get help with MapStudio

If you need help with MapStudio, a good place to begin is with this online help system. Here you will find user documentation which includes step-by-step instructions for each part of the map-making process, conceptual overview, and FAQs. Other online resources include a GIS glossary, summaries of the data included in MapStudio, a User Discussion Forum, and Support. You can also contact ESRI Support Services.


ESRI Support Services for MapStudio

MapStudio maintenance fees include technical assistance that is provided through ESRI's Support Services. You can contact ESRI's Support Services by telephone (888-377-4575 or 909-793-3774), fax (909-792-0960), e-mail (support@esri.com), or Web form. Live support is available from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday, except ESRI holidays. For more information, visit the ESRI Support Center.