Why does the map's link change when sharing a map in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer?

Answer

In ArcGIS Online Map Viewer, members with the User, Publisher, or Administrator role can share maps, scenes, and apps by clicking the Share button on the ribbon above the map.

Note:
Only the default administrator role can share organization content publicly when the site settings do not allow members to share content outside the organization.

The image below shows the map's link is displayed in the Share window when clicking Share.

In some instances, the map's link changes when attempting to share the map, as shown in the image below.

By design, the map's link changes to reflect the last viewed extent of the map when sharing the map with the ‘Share current map extent’ option enabled. The map's link also changes when the map is shared publicly or with groups without the ‘Share current map extent’ option enabled.

To retain the original map link, disable the option to share the current map extent. In ArcGIS Online Map Viewer, in the Share window, under Link to this map, uncheck the Share current map extent check box to revert to the map's original link.

Alternatively, use one of the following methods to share the map with a consistent link.

• Share the map from the map's item details page. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Item details for more information on opening an item's item details page in ArcGIS Online.
• Share the map using the map's URL in the address bar of the web browser. The image below shows the map's URL in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer.