# GFW MapBuilder

> a library to build custom Forest Atlas web applications

**Wikidata**: [Q109930662](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109930662)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gfw-mapbuilder

## Summary
GFW MapBuilder is a free software library designed to create custom Forest Atlas web applications. Maintained by the World Resources Institute and created by Global Forest Watch, it operates on the ArcGIS Online platform and is built using the TypeScript programming language. The tool is licensed under the Expat license and provides users with the ability to generate tailored web mapping experiences.

## Key Facts
- **Creator:** Global Forest Watch
- **Maintainer:** World Resources Institute
- **Category:** Software library, Free Software
- **Primary Use:** Building custom Forest Atlas web applications
- **Platform:** Runs on and requires ArcGIS Online
- **Programming Language:** TypeScript
- **License:** Expat license
- **Aliases:** MapBuilder, GFW Map Builder, gfw-mapbuilder
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted
- **Output:** Capable of producing web mapping tutorials

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of GFW MapBuilder?
A: GFW MapBuilder serves as a library that allows users to build custom Forest Atlas web applications. It is utilized to generate specialized web map interfaces tailored to specific needs.

### Q: Is GFW MapBuilder free to use?
A: Yes, GFW MapBuilder is classified as free software distributed under the Expat license. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

### Q: What technical platform does GFW MapBuilder require?
A: The software requires ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based mapping platform by ESRI, to function. It is programmed using TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript.

## Why It Matters
GFW MapBuilder plays a critical role in the democratization of geospatial data analysis by lowering the technical barrier to creating sophisticated forest monitoring applications. By providing a specialized library for building Forest Atlas web applications, it enables organizations and developers to leverage the powerful data infrastructure of Global Forest Watch without needing to build mapping tools from scratch. This capability is vital for transparent monitoring of forest landscapes, allowing for the rapid deployment of customized, cloud-based web maps (via ArcGIS Online) that can track environmental changes. As a free software tool maintained by the World Resources Institute, it fosters collaboration and accessibility in conservation technology, ensuring that customized, high-quality forest data remains accessible to programmers and end-users alike.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Utility:** It is specifically designed to build custom Forest Atlas web applications, distinguishing it from generic mapping libraries.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** It is available as free software under the Expat license, permitting modification and redistribution.
- **Cloud Integration:** It functions natively within the ArcGIS Online ecosystem, leveraging ESRI's cloud infrastructure.
- **Modern Tech Stack:** The library is written in TypeScript, ensuring robust code structure through static typing.

## Body

### Technical Overview
GFW MapBuilder is a software library classified as free software. It is constructed using **TypeScript**, a programming language that functions as a superset of JavaScript. The library's architecture is designed to integrate specifically with **ArcGIS Online**, the cloud-based web mapping platform provided by ESRI. Consequently, the software depends on ArcGIS Online to function.

### Development and Governance
The entity was created by **Global Forest Watch** and is currently maintained by the **World Resources Institute**. While the software is distributed under the **Expat license** (MIT), allowing for broad usage and modification, it retains a copyrighted status. The source code is publicly accessible via its GitHub repository at `https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder`.

### Version History
Development of GFW MapBuilder has been active, with numerous releases recorded between 2016 and 2017. Key releases include:
- **v1.1.2:** Released October 13, 2016
- **v1.1.4:** Released October 24, 2016
- **v1.1.5:** Released October 27, 2016
- **v1.1.7:** Released November 16, 2016
- **v1.1.8:** Released December 14, 2016
- **v1.1.9:** Released December 29, 2016
- **v1.1.10:** Released February 21, 2017
- **v1.1.11:** Released April 13, 2017
- **v1.1.12:** Released June 28, 2017
- **v1.1.13:** Released August 11, 2017

### Resources and Outputs
The software supports the production of web mapping tutorials. Official resources include an end-user website (`https://www.globalforestwatch.org/mapbuilder/`) and a programmer-focused source code repository.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/blob/develop/LICENSE)
2. [Release 1.1.2. 2016](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.2)
3. [Release 1.1.4. 2016](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.4)
4. [Release 1.1.5. 2016](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.5)
5. [Release 1.1.7. 2016](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.7)
6. [Release 1.1.8. 2016](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.8)
7. [Release 1.1.9. 2016](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.9)
8. [Release 1.1.10. 2017](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.10)
9. [Release 1.1.11. 2017](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.1.11)
10. [Release 1.1.12. 2017](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.12)
11. [Release 1.1.13. 2017](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.13)
12. [Release 1.1.14. 2017](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.14)
13. [Release 1.1.15. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.15)
14. [Release 1.1.16. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.16)
15. [Release 1.1.17. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.1.17)
16. [Release 1.2.0. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.2.0)
17. [Release 1.2.1. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.2.1)
18. [Release 1.2.2. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.2.2)
19. [Release 1.2.3. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.2.3)
20. [Release 1.3.0. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/1.3.0)
21. [Release 1.3.1. 2018](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.3.1)
22. [Release 1.3.2. 2019](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.3.2)
23. [Release 1.3.3. 2019](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.3.3)
24. [Release 1.3.4. 2019](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.3.4)
25. [Release 1.4.0.1. 2019](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.4.0.1)
26. [Release 1.4.1. 2019](https://github.com/wri/gfw-mapbuilder/releases/tag/v1.4.1)