Types of datasets

A feature service supports datasets stored as feature layers, feature layer views, and tables. This section provides an overview of the data structures they support and the functionality they provide.

Feature layers

A feature layer is a spatially-enabled table in a feature service that contains features. All features in a feature layer have the same type of geometry (point, multipoint, polyline, polygon, or envelope), set of attributes, and spatial reference. A feature service can contain multiple feature layers.

Below is an example of a feature layer that contains parcel features. Each feature contains a polygon geometry and a set of attributes.

Feature layer views

A feature layer view, also known as a view, is a feature layer with a definition that only exposes a subset of the features, fields, and/or capabilities of an existing feature layer. A view supports all of the same functionality as a feature layer. If the underlying data changes in the original feature layer, the changes are reflected in all associated views. Feature layer views are typically used to expose a subset of the data that is available in an existing feature layer. They also support all of the sharing levels available regardless of the underlying feature layer's sharing level.

Below is an example of a feature layer view that only provides access to commercial parcels. Each feature contains a polygon geometry and set of attributes. This view is configured to only allow editing on commercial parcels. Only the owner or a group of ArcGIS users with the correct access and privileges can edit the features.

Tables

A table is a non-spatially enabled feature layer in a feature service. A table contains features with attributes but no geometry. Use hosted tables to securely access, query, and edit data as stand-alone tables. You can also join tables to other feature layers with a relation.

Below is an example of a table that contains features with attribute information for parcels.

Tutorials

Tools

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.


APIs

Add a vector tile layer

Access and display a vector tile layer in a map.


Add a map tile layer

Access and display a map tile layer in a map.


Query a feature layer (spatial)

Execute a spatial query to get features from a feature layer.


Edit feature data

Add, update, and delete features in a feature service.


Display a popup

Format a popup to show attributes in a feature layer.


Workflows

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.

CreateManageAccess
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Kotlin1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift1
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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