What is the main difference between web maps and web apps in ArcGIS Online?

The primary distinction between web maps and web apps in ArcGIS Online lies in their intended purpose and functionality. Web maps are designed primarily for displaying spatial data, allowing users to visualize geographical information through layers, basemaps, and various symbology. They serve as a foundation for understanding geographic contexts and help users investigate data relationships within a spatial framework.

On the other hand, web apps leverage the foundational elements provided by web maps and offer enhanced interactivity and functionality. They enable users to create custom interfaces, manipulate data through tools, perform spatial analysis, allow for data editing, and enable the integration of various inputs and outputs. This added functionality makes web apps particularly useful for engaging with and manipulating data in more sophisticated ways compared to what a web map can provide alone.

Understanding this difference is crucial for selecting the right tool for a specific task within ArcGIS Online. While web maps are focused on visualization, web apps are designed to facilitate more complex interaction and analysis, thus providing users with greater capabilities for managing and exploring geographic data.