Define a new dataset

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:

How to define a new dataset

The general steps to define a new dataset are as follows:

1. Sign in to your portal:

   • ArcGIS Location Platform: Go to https://location.arcgis.com > My portal.
   • ArcGIS Online: Go to https://www.arcgis.com/home/signin.html.
   • ArcGIS Enterprise: Go to your portal URL. Learn more at ArcGIS Enterprise > Use > Get started > Access.

2. 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.

Tutorials

Import data to create a feature layer

Use data management tools to import files and create a feature layer in a feature service.

ArcGIS portal

Define a new feature layer

Use data management tools to define and create a new empty feature layer in a feature service.

ArcGIS portalPython APIREST JS

Manage a feature layer

Use a hosted feature layer item to set the properties and settings of a feature layer in a feature service.

ArcGIS portal

Create a vector tile service

Use data management tools to create a new vector tile service from a feature service.

ArcGIS portalPython APIREST JS

Create a map tile service

Use ArcGIS Online or scripting APIs to publish a map tile service.

ArcGIS portalPython APIREST JS

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

API support

Use data management tools or Client APIs to create, manage, and access data services. The table below outlines the level of support for each API.

Tools