What do I need? #

A Device #

A laptop or desktop computer is most ideal to interact with BeaconGIS but is only required for some things. We do support phones and tablets through GeoNode’s responsive website theme. This option does work pretty well for browsing maps, but expect there to be limitations or problems when attempting to add or edit existing information. This level of compatibility is generally uncommon in the GIS space, with most public maps not working at all, even for just viewing.

Applications #

BeaconGIS is only accessible at this time through modern web browsers. We prefer Firefox but its really up to you.

QGIS is optional and is not required for accessing BeaconGIS but its an incredibly powerful tool that you will want to become comfortable with.

In the future, BeaconGIS will have its backend GeoServer portal opened up to receive direct connections from applications like QGIS, Locus Map/GIS, and others. These applications will allow to access your maps offline and sync information back and forth. You may want to install these applications on your computer and phone and play around with them to become more familiar. We plan to have some documentation on those applications soon.

Accessing BeaconGIS #

BeaconGIS is accessible at our subdomain https://gis.thebeacongroup.xyz/. This URL will take you to the login page.

In the near future, this will not be the landing page; instead, it will be the All Resources tab, which we will see momentarily. Enter your provided username and password into the required fields.

The Home Page #

After signing in, you will reach the All Resources tab. This is the default homepage of BeaconGIS and it will show all of the resources that have been shared with you.

The top center of website contains a search bar to make finding resources easier as the database grows.

The top right button that looks like a person is used to access your profile options.

Profile allows you to edit your profile, change your password (recommended upon first login) and change your email.

Recent activity will show member activity that you have access to.

Favorites allows you to access datasets, maps, and documents you have favorited for ease of access.

Inbox is for our internal messaging system (we’d prefer you not use this, but its there if you need it).

Log out is for logging out.

The blue navigation bar underneath our banner image allows you to filter your current view by type.

All Resources is the tab we are viewing now.

Datasets will only display Datasets.

Maps will only display Maps

Documents will only display documents.

GeoStories is a feature that we’re not planning to support, but it allows you to create inspiring and immersive stories by combining interactive maps and various multimedia sources.

Dashboards are for creating charts, tables, and counters. We do not plan to support this feature at this time.

On the opposite side of the navigation bar we have two more buttons, About and English.

About will display the options People and Groups. People will display other members of BeaconGIS. Groups will display groups that you are in, or ones that are visible to join.

The English button allows you to change the language.