To create the schema (field structure) for a new empty feature layer in a feature service, you can define a new dataset. To do so, you use data management tools to define the fields and schema. You typically use this process when you need to publish an empty feature layer that your applications will populate with features. For example, data entry applications or field applications. After it is created, you can manage the service settings with a hosted feature layer (item) in your portal.
Use this approach when you want to:
- Dynamically specify the field structure of an empty feature layer in a feature service for your applications
- Store points, polylines, and polygon in a feature layer
- Store non-spatial data as a standalone table
- Store string and numeric data in fields
- Store attachments with features
- Store and access features in different formats (JSON, GeoJSON, or PBF)
Types of datasets
When you define a new feature layer, you need to determine the data type that best fits your data, workflow, and application needs. ArcGIS supports four different dataset types:
| Data type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Point layer | A feature layer containing point features. | Model discrete locations: GPS coordinates, Earthquake epicenters, Hydrants. |
| Line layer | A feature layer containing polyline features. | Model phenomena with a length: road centerlines, rivers, oil piplines |
| Polygon layer | A feature layer containing polygon features. | Model phenomena with an area: Parcel boundaries, water bodies, building footprints |
| Table | A feature layer containing non-spatial features. | Typically used to store data associated with a spatial feature: Inspection history, owner information, metadata |
How to define a new dataset
The general steps to define a new dataset are as follows:
-
Log in to a data management tool with your ArcGIS account:
- ArcGIS.com (ArcGIS Platform or ArcGIS Online)
- ArcGIS Enterprise portal (ArcGIS Enterprise)
-
Use the tool to define the fields and schema for your feature layer. This creates the following:
- Hosted feature layer: A new item in your portal to manage the item properties and service settings.
- Feature layer and feature service: A new feature layer in a feature service for the data.
The most common next step is to add data to the new feature layer. You can use tools such as the Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro to add, update, and delete features.
Tools, data, and services
Below is a description of the data management tools you can use to create new feature layers and tables in feature services.
| Data management tool | Input data source | Input data format | Output item | Output layer | Data service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ArcGIS.com ArcGIS Enterprise portal | Template Hosted feature layer Layer URL | Feature layer (hosted) | Feature layer (hosted) | Feature layer | Feature service |
| ArcGIS.com ArcGIS Enterprise portal | None. You define the geometry type and fields interactively. | None | Feature layer (hosted) | Feature layer | Feature service |
Tutorials
Import data to create a feature layer
Use data management tools to import files and create a feature layer in a feature service.
Define a new feature layer
Use data management tools to define and create a new empty feature layer in a feature service.
Manage a feature layer
Use a hosted feature layer item to set the properties and settings of a feature layer in a feature service.
Create a vector tile service
Use data management tools to create a new vector tile service from a feature service.
Create a map tile service
Use ArcGIS Online or scripting APIs to publish a map tile service.
Workflows
Create a feature service for an app
Learn how to import parcel data, create and style a feature layer, and then access the features in an app.
Create a feature layer view for an editor app
Learn how to import parcel data, create and style a feature layer view, and then access the features in an editing app.
Create a vector tile service for an app
Learn how to import parcel data, style a feature layer, and then create a vector tile service for an app.
Create a map tile service for an app
Learn how to import contour data, style a feature layer, and create a map tile service for an app.
Services
Feature service
Add, update, delete, and query feature data.
Vector tile service
Store and access vector tile data.
Map tile service
Store and access map tile data.
API support
Use Client APIs to create, manage, and access data services. The table below outlines the level of support for each API.
- 1. Use portal class and direct REST API requests
- 2. Access via ArcGIS REST JS
- 3. Requires manually setting styles for renderers