3 Ways to Create Maps with NOAA's WMS URL

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NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) offers an impressive array of geospatial data through its Web Mapping Services (WMS). With the right tools, anyone can access this information and create stunning maps. In this article, we'll explore three easy-to-use methods for making your own WMS maps using NOAA's URL.

Method 1: Using ArcGIS

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ArcGIS is a popular choice among GIS professionals due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. To start creating maps with the NOAA WMS URL in ArcGIS:

### Step 1: Download & Install ArcGIS

First, head over to Esri's website (www.esri.com) and download the latest version of ArcGIS.

### Step 2: Launch ArcMap & Add WMS Layer

Once installed, launch ArcMap from your Start menu or Applications folder depending on your operating system. From here:

1. Click 'Layer' > 'Add Layer Online'

2. In the window that appears select 'WMS Server Connection'

### Step 3: Enter NOAA's WMS URL & Set Up Layer Properties

In this step, enter `http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/` as your connection string followed by any other required parameters.

1. After clicking OK in the next window you will see a list of layers from which to choose.

2. Double-click on 'NWS WFO HRL 3km Base' (or similar) layer name and select all boxes except for 'Show Label'

Method 2: Using uDig

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uDig is another powerful open-source desktop GIS client that supports NOAA's WMS URL out of the box.

### Step 1: Download & Install uDig

To get started with uDigit:

1. Head over to http://udig.org/download and download the latest version for your operating system.

2. Follow the installation instructions provided during setup until you reach 'Finish' button, then click it.

### Step 3: Add WMS Layer Using Layers Panel

Once installed launch Udig from Start menu or Applications folder depending on OS:

1. Click 'Layer' > 'Add layer...' in main toolbar

2. In dialog box select 'WMS'

3. Paste NOAA's WMS URL into Server field (http://www.wpc.ncep.nojaa.gov/)

Method 3: Using Tableau Public

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If you're looking for a more visual and non-technical approach to creating maps with the NOAA WMS URL, look no further than Tableau Public.

### Step 1: Sign Up & Download Desktop App

1. Click 'Download' button on top right corner of page.

2. Follow prompts through installation wizard until completed successfully.

### Step 3: Connect to NOAA WMS Data Source Using 'Connect' Pane

Once installed launch Tableau Public from Start menu or Applications folder depending on operating system:

1. Select 'More...' dropdown under 'To a new data source' section within welcome window.

2. In next dialog box select 'Web'

3. Paste http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/ into URL field and click OK.

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With these three easy-to-follow methods, anyone can now access NOAA's impressive geospatial dataset via their WMS server using nothing more than a web browser or free GIS software like ArcGIS or uDig. No extensive coding knowledge is required - just follow our step-by-step instructions to start creating your own stunning maps today!

Noaa wms url