Define a new dataset

To create the schema (field structure) for a new empty in a , you can define a new dataset. To do so, you use 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 (item) in your .

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
  • 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 typeDescriptionUse
Point layerA feature layer containing .Model discrete locations: GPS coordinates, Earthquake epicenters, Hydrants.
Line layerA feature layer containing .Model phenomena with a length: road centerlines, rivers, oil pipelines
Polygon layerA feature layer containing .Model phenomena with an area: Parcel boundaries, water bodies, building footprints
TableA feature layer containing non-spatial .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:

  1. Sign in to your :

  2. Use the tool to define the fields and schema for your feature layer. This creates the following:

    • Hosted feature layer: A new in your to manage the item properties and service settings.
    • Feature layer and feature service: A new in a for the data.

    The most common next step is to add data to the new feature layer. You can use tools such as the or to add, update, and delete features.

Data hosting
Process to define a new feature layer with the portal

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 toolInput data sourceInput data formatOutput itemOutput layerData service
ArcGIS portal
ArcGIS Enterprise portal
Template
Hosted feature layer
Layer URL
Feature layer (hosted)Feature layer (hosted)Feature layerFeature service
ArcGIS portal
ArcGIS Enterprise portal
None. You define the geometry type and fields interactively.NoneFeature layer (hosted)Feature layerFeature 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

Services

API support

Use or to create, manage, and access . The table below outlines the level of support for each API.

CreateManageAccess
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Kotlin1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Flutter1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Java1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Qt1
ArcGIS API for Python
ArcGIS REST JS
Esri Leaflet2
MapLibre GL JS23
OpenLayers23
Full supportPartial supportNo support
  • 1. Use portal class and direct REST API requests
  • 2. Access via ArcGIS REST JS
  • 3. Requires manually setting styles for renderers

Tools

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You can no longer sign into this site. Go to your ArcGIS portal or the ArcGIS Location Platform dashboard to perform management tasks.

Your ArcGIS portal

Create, manage, and access API keys and OAuth 2.0 developer credentials, hosted layers, and data services.

Your ArcGIS Location Platform dashboard

Manage billing, monitor service usage, and access additional resources.

Learn more about these changes in the What's new in Esri Developers June 2024 blog post.

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