How to Install ARK v1

Downloading and installing the v1 release of ARK is easier than ever.

1. Be sure you are running a suitable Apache/MySQL/PHP environment

First, be sure you have installed all the dependencies needed for the latest ARK release.

For Windows users, our detailed How-To document outlines the installation and set-up of the Mapserver for Windows package.

For Mac users, the MAMP application is easy to install and configure, and includes built-in useful tools for managing your data.

2. Download the latest release of ARK.

The latest stable release of ARK is available at our Sourceforge pages and from the download link at the top of the left panel.

3. Update your Environment Settings

The environment settings for your instance of ARK are held in env_settings.php. At the very least, you will need to change the case and some directories to point at where you have installed the ARK code. The ARKwiki has full details of all the information held in environment settings so you can customise to suit your installation environment.

4. Create and upload the MySQL database

Using phpMyAdmin or a similar front-end package, import the basic ARK SQL database. Note that the name of the database you create will need to be entered in your env_settings.php.

5. Log in!

If you’re running on a local system, you’ll need to point your browser at the localhost directory where you installed ARK. This is usually something like http://localhost:8888/ark, but the port (in this example 8888) and directory (in this example, ark) may be different depending on where you’ve installed.

However with all settings correct, you should be prompted for your log-in details. Enter the default username (doe_jd) and password (janedoe) and you’re ready to go!

Obviously you’ll want to customise your ARK to suit your project needs. You can also check out some of our pre-configured ARKS to get you started.