Thumbnail images are used to represent small versions of larger images, such as those in document management software or online visual catalogs. They help users quickly find a specific image while scanning through documents or browsing websites with a large number of pictures. They also make it easier to distinguish an item from other items in a catalog.

Capture a Map’s Display as a Thumbnail

When you preview an item in the catalog view, ArcGIS automatically captures what is displayed as its thumbnail; this information can later be added to the item’s metadata. The map’s thumbnail can be created from the current map view’s display or a graphic file that you enclose in the item’s metadata.

Create a Thumbnail from an Image

You can use a photo or other graphic in a thumbnail to make it more interesting. This can be a screenshot from your camera or another image that you have taken, such as one that you have created using Adobe Photoshop or other image editing programs. The image should be a minimum of 600 pixels wide and 400 pixels high; it must be saved in PNG format.

The image should be centered, and it should follow the rule of thirds. The important elements should be placed in a grid that intersects the image.

Add Text to Your Map’s Thumbnail

The text that is displayed above the thumbnail map can be written in any language. This is a great way to entice viewers to click on your pin. It can be as simple as a brief description of the pin, but it can also be more elaborate, for example, using a map to explain the pin’s location.

Choose a Color Scheme to Show the ThumbnailMap

You can choose from several color schemes, including Apple, Blue, Bright, Default, Gowalla, Gray, Gray #2, Light, Mapbox, Midnight, Pale, Paper and Refreshed by Google (the most common one). You can select a different color scheme for each pin, but please note that it is not possible to change the font style of each line of text.

Don’t Overuse Text – Too many words on a thumbnail can be distracting, and it will be harder to process. Try to keep the text limited to three or four words.

Consider the User Experience – A lot of people will be looking at your thumbnail map on mobile devices, where you don’t have much space for an image. So make sure that you don’t make the thumbnail too busy, and that you give the viewer a good idea of what the video is about.

Use a Thumbnail Map as Your Item’s Image

You can create your own custom map from the map of the world by using the Create Thumbnail from Map tool on an item’s Overview. This tool allows you to zoom and pan the map to create a more interesting thumbnail. It also provides the ability to change the basemap, if desired.