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import GroupLayer from "@arcgis/core/layers/GroupLayer.js";
Inheritance:
GroupLayerLayerAccessor
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.0

GroupLayer provides the ability to organize several sublayers into one common layer. Suppose there are several FeatureLayers that all represent water features in different dimensions. For example, wells (points), streams (lines), and lakes (polygons). The GroupLayer provides the functionality to treat them as one layer called "Water Features" even though they are stored as separate feature layers. To accomplish this, create a new GroupLayer and use the add() method to add each of the water layers to the GroupLayer.

The visibility of each layer is managed in the listMode and visibilityMode properties.

See also

Constructors

Constructor

Constructor
Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
properties
See the properties table for a list of all the properties that may be passed into the constructor.

Properties

Any properties can be set, retrieved or listened to. See the Watch for changes topic.

allLayers

readonly Property
Type
ReadonlyCollection<Layer>
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.24

A flattened collection of all layers in the group layer. Nested group layers and their children layers are also part of this collection. Layers should not be added directly to this collection. They must only be added via the layers property.

To access a flattened collection of tables, use the allTables property instead.

Example
// Find a layer with title "US Counties"
const foundLayer = groupLayer.allLayers.find((layer) => {
return layer.title === "US Counties";
});
// Listen for any layer being added or removed in the GroupLayer
groupLayer.allLayers.on("change", (event) => {
console.log("Layer added: ", event.added);
console.log("Layer removed: ", event.removed);
console.log("Layer moved: ", event.moved);
});

allTables

readonly Property
Type
ReadonlyCollection<Layer>
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.24

A flattened collection of tables anywhere in the group layer's hierarchy. This will contain individual tables within tables, in addition to any children tables of nested group layers. In order for the table(s) to be recognized as such, the feature layer's isTable property must return true.

Currently, only feature layer tables are recognized. To access a flattened collection of spatial layers, use the allLayers property instead.

Example
// A feature layer where isTable = true.
const foundTable = groupLayer.allTables.find((table) => {
// Find a table with title "US Counties"
return table.title === "US Counties";
});

blendMode

inherited Property
Type
BlendMode
Inherited from: BlendLayer
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.16

Blend modes are used to blend layers together to create an interesting effect in a layer, or even to produce what seems like a new layer. Unlike the method of using transparency which can result in a washed-out top layer, blend modes can create a variety of very vibrant and intriguing results by blending a layer with the layer(s) below it.

When blending layers, a top layer is a layer that has a blend mode applied. All layers underneath the top layer are background layers. The default blending mode is normal where the top layer is simply displayed over the background layer. While this default behavior is perfectly acceptable, the use of blend modes on layers open up a world of endless possibilities to generate creative maps.

The layers in a GroupLayer are blended together in isolation from the rest of the map.

In the following screenshots, the vintage shaded relief layer is displayed over a firefly world imagery layer. The color blend mode is applied to the vintage shaded relief and the result looks like a new layer.

color-blend

Known Limitations

The following factors will affect the blend result:

  • Order of all layers
  • Layer opacity
  • Opacity of features in layers
  • Visibility of layers
  • By default, the very bottom layer in a map is drawn on a transparent background. You can change the MapView's background color.
Read More
Blend modeDescription
normalThe top layer is displayed over the background layer. The data of the top layer block the data of background layer where they overlap.
averageTakes the mathematical average of top and background layers. Result of average blend mode is often similar to the effect of setting the layer's opacity to 50%.

Lighten blend modes:

The following blend modes create lighter results than all layers. In lighten blend modes, pure black colors in the top layer become transparent allowing the background layer to show through. White in the top layer will stay unchanged. Any color that is lighter than pure black is going to lighten colors in the top layer to varying degrees all way to pure white.

Lighten blend modes can be useful when lightening dark colors of the top layer or removing black colors from the result. The plus, lighten and screen modes can be used to brighten layers that have faded or dark colors on a dark background.

Blend modeDescription
lightenCompares top and background layers and retains the lighter color. Colors in the top layer become transparent if they are darker than the overlapping colors in the background layer allowing the background layer to show through completely. Can be thought of as the opposite of darken blend mode.
lighterColors in top and background layers are multiplied by their alphas (layer opacity and layer's data opacity. Then the resulting colors are added together. All overlapping midrange colors are lightened in the top layer. The opacity of layer and layer's data will affect the blend result.
plusColors in top and background layers are added together. All overlapping midrange colors are lightened in the top layer. This mode is also known as add or linear-dodge.
screenMultiplies inverted colors in top and background layers then inverts the colors again. The resulting colors will be lighter than the original color with less contrast. Screen can produce many different levels of brightening depending on the luminosity values of the top layer. Can be thought of as the opposite of the multiply mode.
color-dodgeDivides colors in background layer by the inverted top layer. This lightens the background layer depending on the value of the top layer. The brighter the top layer, the more its color affects the background layer. Decreases the contrast between top and background layers resulting in saturated mid-tones and blown highlights.

Darken blend modes:

The following blend modes create darker results than all layers. In darken blend modes, pure white in the top layer will become transparent allowing the background layer to show through. Black in the top layer will stay unchanged. Any color that is darker than pure white is going to darken a top layer to varying degrees all the way to pure black.

The multiply blend mode is often used to highlight shadows, show contrast, or accentuate an aspect of a map. For example, you can use multiply blend mode on a topographic map displayed over hillshade when you want to have your elevation show through the topographic layer. See the intro to layer blending sample.

The multiply and darken modes can be used to have dark labels of the basemap to show through top layers. See the darken blending sample.

The color-burn mode works well with colorful top and background layers since it increases saturation in mid-tones. It increases the contrast by tinting pixels in overlapping areas in top and bottom layers more towards the top layer color. Use this blend mode, when you want an effect with more contrast than multiply or darken.

The following screenshots show how the multiply blend mode used for creating a physical map of the world that shows both boundaries and elevation. multiply-blend

Blend modeDescription
darkenEmphasizes the darkest parts of overlapping layers. Colors in the top layer become transparent if they are lighter than the overlapping colors in the background layer, allowing the background layer to show through completely.
multiplyEmphasizes the darkest parts of overlapping layers by multiplying colors of the top layer and the background layer. Midrange colors from top and background layers are mixed together more evenly.
color-burnIntensifies the dark areas in all layers. It increases the contrast between top and background layers, by tinting colors in overlapping area towards the top color. To do this it inverts colors of the background layer, divides the result by colors of the top layer, then inverts the results.

Contrast blend modes:

The following blend modes create contrast by both lightening the lighter areas and darkening the darker areas in the top layer by using lightening or darkening blend modes to create the blend. The contrast blend modes will lighten the colors lighter than 50% gray ([128,128,128]), and darken the colors darker than 50% gray. 50% gray will be transparent in the top layer. Each mode can create a variety of results depending on the colors of top and background layers being blended together. The overlay blend mode makes its calculations based on the brightness of the colors in the background layer while all of the other contrast blend modes make their calculations based on the brightness of the top layer. Some of these modes are designed to simulate the effect of shining a light through the top layer, effectively projecting upon the layers beneath it.

Contrast blend modes can be used to increase the contrast and saturation to have more vibrant colors and give a punch to your layers. For example, you can duplicate a layer and set overlay blend mode on the top layer to increase the contrast and tones of your layer. You can also add a polygon layer with a white fill symbol over a dark imagery layer and apply soft-light blend mode to increase the brightness in the imagery layer.

The following screenshots show an effect of the overlay blend mode on a GraphicsLayer. The left image shows when the buffer graphics layer has the normal blend mode. As you can see, the gray color for the buffer polygon is blocking the intersecting census tracts. The right image shows when the overlay blend mode is applied to the buffer graphics layer. The overlay blend mode darkens or lightens the gray buffer polygon depending on the colors of the background layer while the census tracts layer is shining through. See this in action.

Normal blend modeOverlay blend mode
no-blendmodeoverlay-blend
Blend modeDescription
overlayUses a combination of multiply and screen modes to darken and lighten colors in the top layer with the background layer always shining through. The result is darker color values in the background layer intensify the top layer, while lighter colors in the background layer wash out overlapping areas in the top layer.
soft-lightApplies a half strength screen mode to lighter areas and half strength multiply mode to darken areas of the top layer. You can think of the soft-light as a softer version of the overlay mode.
hard-lightMultiplies or screens the colors, depending on colors of the top layer. The effect is similar to shining a harsh spotlight on the top layer.
vivid-lightUses a combination of color-burn or color-dodge by increasing or decreasing the contrast, depending on colors in the top layer.

Component blend modes:

The following blend modes use primary color components, which are hue, saturation and luminosity to blend top and background layers. You can add a feature layer with a simple renderer over any layer and set hue, saturation, color or luminosity blend mode on this layer. With this technique, you create a brand new looking map.

The following screenshots show where the topo layer is blended with world hillshade layer with luminosity blend mode. The result is a drastically different looking map which preserves the brightness of the topo layer while adapting the hue and saturation of the hillshade layer.

color-blend
Blend modeDescription
hueCreates an effect with the hue of the top layer and the luminosity and saturation of the background layer.
saturationCreates an effect with the saturation of the top layer and the hue and luminosity of the background layer. 50% gray with no saturation in the background layer will not produce any change.
luminosityCreates effect with the luminosity of the top layer and the hue and saturation of the background layer. Can be thought of as the opposite of color blend mode.
colorCreates an effect with the hue and saturation of the top layer and the luminosity of the background layer. Can be thought of as the opposite of luminosity blend mode.

Composite blend modes:

The following blend modes can be used to mask the contents of top, background or both layers.

  • Destination modes are used to mask the data of the top layer with the data of the background layer.
  • Source modes are used to mask the data of the background layer with the data of the top layer.

The destination-in blend mode can be used to show areas of focus such as earthquakes, animal migration, or point-source pollution by revealing the underlying map, providing a bird's eye view of the phenomenon. Check out multiple blending and groupLayer blending samples to see composite blend modes in action.

The following screenshots show feature and imagery layers on the left side on their own in the order they are drawn in the view. The imagery layer that contains land cover classification rasters. The feature layer contains 2007 county crops data. The right image shows the result of layer blending where destination-in blendMode is set on the imagery layer. As you can see, the effect is very different from the original layers. The blended result shows areas of cultivated crops only (where both imagery and feature layers overlap).

destination-in
Blend modeDescription
destination-overDestination/background layer covers the top layer. The top layer is drawn underneath the destination layer. You'll see the top layer peek through wherever the background layer is transparent or has no data.
destination-atopDestination/background layer is drawn only where it overlaps the top layer. The top layer is drawn underneath the background layer. You'll see the top layer peek through wherever the background layer is transparent or has no data.
destination-inDestination/background layer is drawn only where it overlaps with the top layer. Everything else is made transparent.
destination-outDestination/background layer is drawn where it doesn't overlap the top layer. Everything else is made transparent.
source-atopSource/top layer is drawn only where it overlaps the background layer. You will see the background layer peek through where the source layer is transparent or has no data.
source-inSource/top layer is drawn only where it overlaps with the background layer. Everything else is made transparent.
source-outSource/top layer is drawn where it doesn't overlap the background layer. Everything else is made transparent.
xorTop and background layers are made transparent where they overlap. Both layers are drawn normal everywhere else.

Invert blend modes:

The following blend modes either invert or cancel out colors depending on colors of the background layer. These blend modes look for variations between top and background layers. For example, you can use difference or exclusion blend modes on two imagery layers of forest covers to visualize how forest covers changed from one year to another.

The invert blend mode can be used to turn any light basemap into a dark basemap to accommodate those who work in low-light conditions. The following screenshots show how setting the invert blend mode set on a feature layer with a simple renderer turns the world Hillshade into a dark themed basemap in no time.

color-blend
Blend modeDescription
difference Subtracts the darker of the overlapping colors from the lighter color. When two pixels with the same value are subtracted, the result is black. Blending with black produces no change. Blending with white inverts the colors. This blending mode is useful for aligning layers with similar content.
exclusionSimilar to the difference blend mode, except that the resulting image is lighter overall. Overlapping areas with lighter color values are lightened, while darker overlapping color values become transparent.
minusSubtracts colors of the top layer from colors of the background layer making the blend result darker. In the case of negative values, black is displayed.
invertInverts the background colors wherever the top and background layers overlap. The invert blend mode inverts the layer similar to a photographic negative.
reflectThis blend mode creates effects as if you added shiny objects or areas of light in the layer. Black pixels in the background layer are ignored as if they were transparent.
See also
Default value
"normal"

declaredClass

readonlyinherited Property
Type
string
Inherited from: Accessor
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.7

The name of the class. The declared class name is formatted as esri.folder.className.

effect

inherited Property
Type
Effect | null | undefined
Inherited from: BlendLayer
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.18

Effect provides various filter functions that can be performed on the layer to achieve different visual effects similar to how image filters work. This powerful capability allows you to apply css filter-like functions to layers to create custom visual effects to enhance the cartographic quality of your maps. This is done by applying the desired effect to the layer's effect property as a string or an array of objects to set scale dependent effects.

Notes

Set featureEffect property on a layer if different effects need to be applied features that meet or fail a specified filter. If all of the following four properties are applied, then they will be applied in this order: featureEffect, effect, opacity and blendMode.

Known Limitations

See also
Examples
// the following effect will be applied to the layer at all scales
// brightness will be applied first, then hue-rotate followed by contrast
// changing order of the effects will change the final result
layer.effect = "brightness(5) hue-rotate(270deg) contrast(200%)";
// set a scale dependent bloom effect on the layer
layer.effect = [
{
scale: 36978595,
value: "drop-shadow(3px, 3px, 4px)"
},
{
scale: 18489297,
value: "drop-shadow(2px, 2px, 3px)"
},
{
scale: 4622324,
value: "drop-shadow(1px, 1px, 2px)"
}
];

fullExtent

autocast inherited Property
Type
Extent | null | undefined
Inherited from: Layer

The full extent of the layer. By default, this is worldwide. This property may be used to set the extent of the view to match a layer's extent so that its features appear to fill the view. See the sample snippet below.

The fullExtent property is always null for GroupLayer.

Example
// Once the layer loads, set the view's extent to the layer's full extent
layer.when(function(){
view.extent = layer.fullExtent;
});

id

inherited Property
Type
string
Inherited from: Layer

The unique ID assigned to the layer. If not set by the developer, it is automatically generated when the layer is loaded.

layers

autocast inherited Property
Type
Collection<Layer>
Inherited from: LayersMixin

A collection of operational layers. This property contains the operational layers, such as FeatureLayers, WebTileLayers and GraphicsLayers that may be queried, assigned different renderers, analyzed, etc. It does not include basemaps.

A Layer is a collection of one or more features, or graphics, that represent real-world phenomena. Each feature contains a Symbol and geographic data that allows it to be rendered on the map as a graphic with spatial context. Features within the layer may also contain data attributes that provide additional information that may be viewed in popup windows and used for rendering the layer.

Layers may be added in the constructor, with the add() or addMany() methods, or directly to the layers collection using Collection.add() or Collection.addMany().

In 3D, for layers that are rendered on the terrain, the order of the layers also depends on the type of layer. Tiled layers (BaseTileLayer, ImageryTileLayer, OpenStreetMapLayer, TileLayer, VectorTileLayer, WCSLayer, WebTileLayer and WMTSLayer) are always drawn first in the same order as specified in the layer collection. Dynamic layers (MapImageLayer, ImageryLayer, WMSLayer, and feature based layers with elevation mode on-the-ground) are rendered on top using the order from the layer collection.

A Layer may only be added to one parent. Adding the same layer to multiple Maps or GroupLayers is not possible. If you attempt to do so, the layer will automatically be removed from its current parent and placed in the new parent.

let layer = new GraphicsLayer();
// The layer belongs to map1
map1.layers.add(layer);
// The layer now belongs to map2
// and implicitly does: map1.layers.remove(layer)
map2.layers.add(layer);

To access tables from feature layers, use the tables property in either Map.tables or WebMap.tables classes.

Example
// Add layers in the constructor of Map using an array
let fl = new FeatureLayer(url);
let gl = new GraphicsLayer();
let map = new Map({
layers: [fl, gl]
});
// Add layers using add()
map.addMany([fl, gl]);
// Add layers using layers collection
map.layers.addMany([fl, gl]);
// Add layers using layers collection's push method
map.layers.push(fl, gl);

listMode

inherited Property
Type
LayerListMode
Inherited from: Layer

Indicates how the layer should display in the Layer List component. The possible values are listed below.

ValueDescription
showThe layer is visible in the table of contents.
hideThe layer is hidden in the table of contents.
hide-childrenIf the layer is a GroupLayer, BuildingSceneLayer, KMLLayer, MapImageLayer, SubtypeGroupLayer, TileLayer, or WMSLayer, hide the children layers from the table of contents.
Default value
"show"

loaded

readonlyinherited Property
Type
boolean
Inherited from: Layer

Indicates whether the layer's resources have loaded. When true, all the properties of the object can be accessed.

Default value
false

loadError

readonlyinherited Property
Type
EsriError | null | undefined
Inherited from: LoadableMixin

The Error object returned if an error occurred while loading.

loadStatus

readonlyinherited Property
Type
"not-loaded" | "loading" | "failed" | "loaded"
Inherited from: LoadableMixin

Represents the status of a load() operation.

ValueDescription
not-loadedThe object's resources have not loaded.
loadingThe object's resources are currently loading.
loadedThe object's resources have loaded without errors.
failedThe object's resources failed to load. See loadError for more details.
Default value
"not-loaded"

loadWarnings

readonlyinherited Property
Type
any[]
Inherited from: LoadableMixin

A list of warnings which occurred while loading.

maxScale

Property
Type
number
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.19

The maximum scale (most zoomed in) at which the layer is visible in the view. If the map is zoomed in beyond this scale, the layer will not be visible. A value of 0 means the layer does not have a maximum scale. The maxScale value should always be smaller than the minScale value, and greater than or equal to the service specification.

Default value
0
Examples
// The layer will not be visible when the view is zoomed in beyond a scale of 1:1,000
layer.maxScale = 1000;
// The layer's visibility is not restricted to a maximum scale.
layer.maxScale = 0;
// The layer will not be visible when the view is zoomed in beyond a scale of 1:1,000
layer.maxScale = 1000;
// The layer's visibility is not restricted to a maximum scale.
layer.maxScale = 0;

minScale

Property
Type
number
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.19

The minimum scale (most zoomed out) at which the layer is visible in the view. If the map is zoomed out beyond this scale, the layer will not be visible. A value of 0 means the layer does not have a minimum scale. The minScale value should always be larger than the maxScale value, and lesser than or equal to the service specification.

Default value
0
Examples
// The layer will not be visible when the view is zoomed out beyond a scale of 1:3,000,000
layer.minScale = 3000000;
// The layer's visibility is not restricted to a minimum scale.
layer.minScale = 0;
// The layer will not be visible when the view is zoomed out beyond a scale of 1:3,000,000
layer.minScale = 3000000;
// The layer's visibility is not restricted to a minimum scale.
layer.minScale = 0;

opacity

inherited Property
Type
number
Inherited from: Layer

The opacity of the layer. This value can range between 1 and 0, where 0 is 100 percent transparent and 1 is completely opaque.

Default value
1
Example
// Makes the layer 50% transparent
layer.opacity = 0.5;

parent

inherited Property
Type
Map | Basemap | Ground | GroupLayer | CatalogDynamicGroupLayer | CatalogLayer | null | undefined
Inherited from: Layer
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.27

The parent to which the layer belongs.

persistenceEnabled

inherited Property
Type
boolean
Inherited from: OperationalLayer
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.28

Enable persistence of the layer in a WebMap or WebScene.

Default value
true

portalItem

autocast inherited Property
Type
PortalItem | null | undefined
Inherited from: PortalLayer

The portal item from which the layer is loaded. If the portal item references a feature or scene service, then you can specify a single layer to load with the layer's layerId property.

Loading non-spatial tables

Non-spatial tables can be loaded from service items hosted in ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise. This only applies to:

Examples
// While this example uses FeatureLayer, this same pattern can be
// used for other layers that may be loaded from portalItem ids.
const layer = new FeatureLayer({
portalItem: { // autocasts as new PortalItem()
id: "caa9bd9da1f4487cb4989824053bb847"
} // the first layer in the service is returned
});
// Set hostname when using an on-premise portal (default is ArcGIS Online)
// esriConfig.portalUrl = "http://myHostName.esri.com/arcgis";
// While this example uses FeatureLayer, this same pattern can be
// used for SceneLayers.
const layer = new FeatureLayer({
portalItem: { // autocasts as new PortalItem()
id: "8d26f04f31f642b6828b7023b84c2188"
},
// loads the third item in the given feature service
layerId: 2
});
// Initialize GeoJSONLayer by referencing a portalItem id pointing to geojson file.
const layer = new GeoJSONLayer({
portalItem: new PortalItem({
id: "81e769cd7031482797e1b0768f23c7e1",
// optionally define the portal, of the item.
// if not specified, the default portal defined is used.
// see https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/references/core/config/#portalUrl
portal: new Portal({
url: "https://jsapi.maps.arcgis.com/"
})
}
});
// This snippet loads a table hosted in ArcGIS Online.
const table = new FeatureLayer({
portalItem: { // autocasts as esri/portal/PortalItem
id: "123f4410054b43d7a0bacc1533ceb8dc"
}
});
// Before adding the table to the map, it must first be loaded and confirm it is the right type.
table.load().then(() => {
if (table.isTable) {
map.tables.add(table);
}
});
// While this example uses FeatureLayer, this same pattern can be
// used for other layers that may be loaded from portalItem ids.
const layer = new FeatureLayer({
portalItem: { // autocasts as esri/portal/PortalItem
id: "caa9bd9da1f4487cb4989824053bb847",
// Set an API key to access a secure portal item configured with API key authentication.
apiKey: "APIKEY"
}
});

tables

autocast inherited Property
Type
Collection<Layer>
Inherited from: TablesMixin

A collection of Layer instances that are tables saved in a Map and/or a WebMap. In order for the table(s) to be recognized as such, the FeatureLayer's FeatureLayer.isTable property must return true. A table can be created via one of the options below:

  • Referencing the URL to a table in a feature service.
  • Create a feature layer using the Layer.fromArcGISServerUrl() method and confirm that it is a table using feature layer's FeatureLayer.isTable property. This can be either a feature service or feature collection.
  • Create a feature layer using the Layer.fromPortalItem() method and confirm that it is a table using feature layer's FeatureLayer.isTable property. This can be either a feature service or feature collection.
  • Create an in-memory, non-spatial, client-side feature layer.

Beginning with 4.17, it is possible to persist non-spatial, tables in a feature service to a WebMap, although in-memory (feature collection) tables are not yet supported.

Persisting tables within a GroupLayer.tables is not yet supported. If this is needed, add them to the Map.tables and/or WebMap.tables.

Currently, only feature service feature layers are recognized. To access spatial layers, use the layers property in either Map.layers or WebMap.layers classes

See also
Examples
// This snippet shows how to add a table to a map's table collection.
// FeatureLayer.isTable = false
const featureLayer = new FeatureLayer({
url: "https://sampleserver6.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/SF311/FeatureServer/0"
});
// Add featureLayer to the map
map.add(featureLayer);
// FeatureLayer.isTable = true
const table = new FeatureLayer({
url: "https://sampleserver6.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/SF311/FeatureServer/1"
});
// In order for the table to be stored within
// the map's table collection, load it and confirm it is the right type.
table.load().then(() => {
// Add the table to the collection
map.tables.add(table);
console.log("Table is added to map's table collection");
});
// This snippet shows how to persist a table to an existing web map
// FeatureLayer.isTable = true
const table = new FeatureLayer({
url: "https://services.arcgis.com/V6ZHFr6zdgNZuVG0/arcgis/rest/services/Crash_details_table/FeatureServer/0"
});
// Create Webmap instance
const webmap = new WebMap({
portalItem: {
id: webmapId
}
});
// When web map is ready, load the table and add it to the web map
webmap.when(() => {
table.load().then(() => {
console.log("Adding table");
// Add table to the webmap's table collection
webmap.tables.add(table);
});
});
// Call updateFrom on webmap and pass in the existing view
webmap.updateFrom(view).then(() => {
// Call saveAs (or save) on the web map
webmap.saveAs({
// autocasts as new PortalItem()
title: "New WebMap"
});
});
// This snippet shows how to add an in-memory table to a map
// Create the array of objects containing field info
const fields = [{
name: "ObjectID",
alias: "ObjectID",
type: "oid"
},
{
name: "tree_type",
alias: "Tree type",
type: "string"
},
{
name: "species",
alias: "Species",
type: "string"
}];
// Create the array of graphics holding attribute info
const graphics = [{
attributes: {
"tree_type": "deciduous",
"species": "maple",
"ObjectID": 2
}
}, {
attributes: {
"tree_type": "coniferous",
"species": "pine",
"ObjectID": 3
}
}];
// Create the feature layer (feature collection) table
const table = new FeatureLayer({
fields: fields,
objectIdField: "ObjectID",
source: graphics
});
// Check when map is ready and load the table
map.when(() => {
table.load().then(() => {
console.log("Adding table");
map.tables.add(table);
});
});

title

inherited Property
Type
string | null | undefined
Inherited from: Layer

The title of the layer used to identify it in places such as the Layer List component.

If the layer is loaded from a portal item, the title of the portal item will be used. If a layer is loaded as part of a webmap or a webscene, then the title of the layer as stored in the webmap/webscene will be used.

type

readonly Property
Type
"group"

The layer type provides a convenient way to check the type of the layer without the need to import specific layer modules.

uid

readonlyinherited Property
Type
string
Inherited from: IdentifiableMixin
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.33

An automatically generated unique identifier assigned to the instance. The unique id is generated each time the application is loaded.

visibilityMode

Property
Type
GroupLayerVisibilityMode

Indicates how to manage the visibility of the children layers. Possible values are described in the table below.

ValueDescription
independentEach child layer manages its visibility independent from other layers.
inheritedEach child layer's visibility matches the GroupLayer's visibility.
exclusiveOnly one child layer is visible at a time.

visibilityTimeExtent

autocast inherited Property
Type
TimeExtent | null | undefined
Inherited from: Layer
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.30

Specifies a fixed time extent during which a layer should be visible. This property can be used to configure a layer that does not have time values stored in an attribute field to work with time. Once configured, the TimeSlider widget will display the layer within the set time extent. In the case that only one of the TimeExtent.start or TimeExtent.end date values are available, the layer remains visible indefinitely in the direction where there is no time value.

Aerial imagery can capture seasonal variations in vegetation, water bodies, and land use patterns. For example, in agricultural regions, aerial imageries taken during different growing seasons provide insights into crop health and productivity. Defining a fixed time extent on imageries from specific time periods provides temporal context and facilitates focused analysis based on specific time periods or events.

See also

visible

inherited Property
Type
boolean
Inherited from: Layer

Indicates if the layer is visible in the View. When false, the layer may still be added to a Map instance that is referenced in a view, but its features will not be visible in the view.

Default value
true
Example
// The layer is no longer visible in the view
layer.visible = false;
// Watch for changes in the layer's visibility
// and set the visibility of another layer when it changes
reactiveUtils.watch(
() => layer.visible,
(visible) => {
if (visible) {
anotherLayer.visible = true;
} else {
anotherLayer.visible = false;
}
}
);

Methods

MethodSignatureClass
fromArcGISServerUrl
inherited static
fromArcGISServerUrl(params: string | FromArcGISServerUrlParameters): Promise<Layer>
fromPortalItem
inherited static
fromPortalItem(params: LayerFromPortalItemParameters): Promise<Layer>
add
inherited
add(layer: Layer | PromiseLike<Layer>, index?: number): void
addMany
inherited
addMany(layers: Layer[], index?: number): void
cancelLoad
inherited
cancelLoad(): this
createLayerView
inherited
createLayerView<T extends LayerView = LayerView>(view: View<T>, options?: AbortOptions): Promise<T>
destroy
inherited
destroy(): void
emit
inherited
emit<Type extends EventNames<this>>(type: Type, event?: this["@eventTypes"][Type]): boolean
fetchAttributionData(): Promise<any>
findLayerById
inherited
findLayerById(layerId: string): Layer | null | undefined
findTableById
inherited
findTableById(tableId: string): Layer | null | undefined
hasEventListener
inherited
hasEventListener<Type extends EventNames<this>>(type: Type): boolean
isFulfilled
inherited
isFulfilled(): boolean
isRejected
inherited
isRejected(): boolean
isResolved
inherited
isResolved(): boolean
load
inherited
load(options?: AbortOptions | null | undefined): Promise<this>
loadAll(): Promise<this>
on
inherited
on<Type extends EventNames<this>>(type: Type, listener: EventedCallback<this["@eventTypes"][Type]>): ResourceHandle
remove
inherited
remove(layer: Layer): Layer | null | undefined
removeAll
inherited
removeAll(): Layer[]
removeMany
inherited
removeMany(layers: Layer[]): Layer[]
reorder
inherited
reorder(layer: Layer, index?: number): Layer | null | undefined
save(options?: LayerSaveOptions): Promise<PortalItem>
saveAs(portalItem: PortalItem, options?: LayerSaveAsOptions): Promise<PortalItem>
when
inherited
when<TResult1 = this, TResult2 = never>(onFulfilled?: OnFulfilledCallback<this, TResult1> | null | undefined, onRejected?: OnRejectedCallback<TResult2> | null | undefined): Promise<TResult1 | TResult2>

fromArcGISServerUrl

inheritedstatic Method
Signature
fromArcGISServerUrl (params: string | FromArcGISServerUrlParameters): Promise<Layer>
Inherited from: Layer

Creates a new layer instance from an ArcGIS Server URL. Depending on the URL, the returned layer type may be a BuildingSceneLayer, CatalogLayer, ElevationLayer, FeatureLayer, GroupLayer, ImageryLayer, ImageryTileLayer, IntegratedMeshLayer, KnowledgeGraphLayer, MapImageLayer, OrientedImageryLayer, PointCloudLayer, SceneLayer, StreamLayer, SubtypeGroupLayer, TileLayer, or VideoLayer.

This is useful when you work with various ArcGIS Server URLs, but you don't necessarily know which layer type(s) they create. This method creates the appropriate layer type for you. In case of a feature service or a scene service, when the URL points to the service and the service has multiple layers, the returned promise will resolve to a GroupLayer.

Beginning with version 4.17, it is possible to load tables from hosted feature services. This only applies to feature layers, and will successfully load if FeatureLayer.isTable returns true.

The following table details what is returned when loading specific URL types.

URLReturns
Feature service with one layerFeatureLayer where FeatureLayer.isTable returns false.
Feature service with one tableFeatureLayer where FeatureLayer.isTable returns true.
Feature service with more than one layer(s)/table(s)GroupLayer with layers and tables.
Layers with type other than "Feature Layer" are discarded, e.g. Utility Network LayersN/A
See also
Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
params

Input parameters for creating the layer.

Returns
Promise<Layer>

Returns a promise that resolves to the new Layer instance.

Examples
// This snippet shows how to add a feature layer from an ArcGIS Server URL
// Get an ArcGIS Server URL from a custom function
const arcgisUrl = getLayerUrl();
Layer.fromArcGISServerUrl({
url: arcgisUrl,
properties: {
// set any layer properties here
popupTemplate: new PopupTemplate()
}
}).then(function(layer){
// add the layer to the map
map.add(layer);
});
// This snippet shows how to add a table from an ArcGIS Server URL
// Get an ArcGIS Server URL from a custom function
const arcgisUrl = getLayerUrl();
Layer.fromArcGISServerUrl({
url: arcgisUrl
}).then(function(layer){
// Load the table before it can be used
layer.load().then(function() {
// Check that it is the right type
if (layer.isTable) {
// Add table to map's tables collection
map.tables.add(layer);
}
});
});

fromPortalItem

inheritedstatic Method
Signature
fromPortalItem (params: LayerFromPortalItemParameters): Promise<Layer>
Inherited from: Layer

Creates a new layer instance of the appropriate layer class from an ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise portal item. If the item points to a feature service with multiple layers, then a GroupLayer is created. If the item points to a service with a single layer, then it resolves to a layer of the same type of class as the service.

Note

  • At version 4.29, MediaLayer can be loaded from portal items.
  • At version 4.28, GroupLayer and OrientedImageryLayer can be loaded from portal items.
  • At version 4.25, CSVLayer and GeoJSONLayer can be loaded from CSV and GeoJSON portal items respectively.
  • At version 4.17, it is possible to load tables from feature service items hosted in ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise. This only applies to feature layers, and will successfully load if FeatureLayer.isTable returns true.

The following table details what is returned when loading specific item types.

Item(s)Returns
Feature service with one layerFeatureLayer where FeatureLayer.isTable returns false.
Feature service with one tableFeatureLayer where FeatureLayer.isTable returns true.
Feature service with more than one layer(s)/table(s)GroupLayer with layers and tables.
Feature collection with one layerFeatureLayer where FeatureLayer.isTable returns false.
Feature collection with one tableFeatureLayer where FeatureLayer.isTable returns true.
Feature collection with more than one layer(s)/table(s)GroupLayer with layers and tables.

Known Limitations

See also
Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
params

The parameters for loading the portal item.

Returns
Promise<Layer>

Returns a promise which resolves to the new layer instance.

Examples
// Create a layer from a specified portal item and add to the map
Layer.fromPortalItem({
portalItem: { // autocasts new PortalItem()
id: "8444e275037549c1acab02d2626daaee"
}
}).then(function(layer){
// add the layer to the map
map.add(layer);
});
// Create a table from a specified portal item and add it to the map's tables collection
Layer.fromPortalItem({
portalItem: { // autocasts new PortalItem()
id: "123f4410054b43d7a0bacc1533ceb8dc" // This is a hosted table stored in a feature service
}
}).then(function(layer) {
// Necessary to load the table in order for it to be read correctly
layer.load().then(function() {
// Confirm this reads as a table
if (layer.isTable) {
// Add the new table to the map's table collection
map.tables.add(layer);
}
});
});

add

inherited Method
Signature
add (layer: Layer | PromiseLike<Layer>, index?: number): void
Inherited from: LayersMixin
Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
layer
Layer | PromiseLike<Layer>

Layer or a promise that resolves to a layer to add to the layers collection.

index

A layer can be added at a specified index in the layers collection. If no index is specified or the index specified is greater than the current number of layers, the layer is automatically appended to the list of layers in the layers collection and the index is normalized.

Returns
void
Example
// add() and push methods can be used
// to add a layer to layers collection
// add a layer to layers collection using add
map.add(layer);
// add a layer at the end of layers collection
map.layers.push(layer);

addMany

inherited Method
Signature
addMany (layers: Layer[], index?: number): void
Inherited from: LayersMixin

Adds a layer or an array of layers to the layers collection. The Collection.@before-changes, Collection.@before-add, Collection.@after-add, Collection.@after-changes and Collection.@change events will be emitted when this method is called.

The Collection.push() method on the layers collection also can be used to add a layer or layers.

See also
Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
layers
Layer[]

Layer(s) to be added to the layers collection.

index

A layer can be added at a specified index in the layers collection. If no index is specified or the index specified is greater than the current number of layers, the layer is automatically appended to the list of layers in the layers collection and the index is normalized.

Returns
void
Example
// addMany and push methods can be used
// to add layers to layers collection
// add an array of layers to layers collection using addMany
map.addMany([layer, layer2]);
// add layers to layers collection using push method
map.layers.push(layer, layer2);

cancelLoad

inherited Method
Signature
cancelLoad (): this
Inherited from: LoadableMixin

Cancels a load() operation if it is already in progress.

Returns
this

createLayerView

inherited Method
Signature
createLayerView <T extends LayerView = LayerView>(view: View<T>, options?: AbortOptions): Promise<T>
Type parameters
<T extends LayerView = LayerView>
Inherited from: Layer

Called by the views, such as MapView and SceneView, when the layer is added to the Map.layers collection and a layer view must be created for it. This method is used internally and there is no use case for invoking it directly.

See also
Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
view

The parent view.

options

An object specifying additional options. See the object specification table below for the required properties of this object.

Returns
Promise

Resolves with a LayerView instance.

destroy

inherited Method
Signature
destroy (): void
Inherited from: Layer
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.17

Destroys the layer and any associated resources (including its portalItem, if it is a property on the layer). The layer can no longer be used once it has been destroyed.

The destroyed layer will be removed from its parent object like Map, WebMap, WebScene, Basemap, Ground, or GroupLayer.

See also
Returns
void

emit

inherited Method
Signature
emit <Type extends EventNames<this>>(type: Type, event?: this["@eventTypes"][Type]): boolean
Type parameters
<Type extends EventNames<this>>
Inherited from: EventedMixin
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.5

Emits an event on the instance. This method should only be used when creating subclasses of this class.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
type
Type

The name of the event.

event
this["@eventTypes"][Type]

The event payload.

Returns
boolean

true if a listener was notified

fetchAttributionData

inherited Method
Signature
fetchAttributionData (): Promise<any>
Inherited from: Layer

Fetches custom attribution data for the layer when it becomes available.

Returns
Promise<any>

Resolves to an object containing custom attribution data for the layer.

findLayerById

inherited Method
Signature
findLayerById (layerId: string): Layer | null | undefined
Inherited from: LayersMixin

Returns a layer based on the given layer ID.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
layerId

The ID assigned to the layer.

Returns
Layer | null | undefined

Returns the requested layer object.

findTableById

inherited Method
Signature
findTableById (tableId: string): Layer | null | undefined
Inherited from: TablesMixin
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.18

Returns a table based on the given table ID.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
tableId

The ID assigned to the table.

Returns
Layer | null | undefined

Returns the requested table object.

hasEventListener

inherited Method
Signature
hasEventListener <Type extends EventNames<this>>(type: Type): boolean
Type parameters
<Type extends EventNames<this>>
Inherited from: EventedMixin

Indicates whether there is an event listener on the instance that matches the provided event name.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
type
Type

The name of the event.

Returns
boolean

Returns true if the class supports the input event.

isFulfilled

inherited Method
Signature
isFulfilled (): boolean
Inherited from: EsriPromiseMixin

isFulfilled() may be used to verify if creating an instance of the class is fulfilled (either resolved or rejected). If it is fulfilled, true will be returned.

Returns
boolean

Indicates whether creating an instance of the class has been fulfilled (either resolved or rejected).

isRejected

inherited Method
Signature
isRejected (): boolean
Inherited from: EsriPromiseMixin

isRejected() may be used to verify if creating an instance of the class is rejected. If it is rejected, true will be returned.

Returns
boolean

Indicates whether creating an instance of the class has been rejected.

isResolved

inherited Method
Signature
isResolved (): boolean
Inherited from: EsriPromiseMixin

isResolved() may be used to verify if creating an instance of the class is resolved. If it is resolved, true will be returned.

Returns
boolean

Indicates whether creating an instance of the class has been resolved.

load

inherited Method
Signature
load (options?: AbortOptions | null | undefined): Promise<this>
Inherited from: LoadableMixin

Loads the resources referenced by this class. This method automatically executes for a View and all of the resources it references in Map if the view is constructed with a map instance.

This method must be called by the developer when accessing a resource that will not be loaded in a View.

The load() method only triggers the loading of the resource the first time it is called. The subsequent calls return the same promise.

It's possible to provide a signal to stop being interested into a Loadable instance load status. When the signal is aborted, the instance does not stop its loading process, only cancelLoad() can abort it.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
options

Additional options.

Returns
Promise<this>

Resolves when the resources have loaded.

loadAll

Method
Signature
loadAll (): Promise<this>
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.9

Loads all the externally loadable resources associated with the group layer. For the group layer this will load all the layers.

See also
Returns
Promise<this>

Resolves when all the loadable resources have been loaded. Rejects if at least one of the loadable resources failed to load.

Example
// Load all resources but ignore if one or more of them failed to load
groupLayer.loadAll()
.catch((error) => {
// Ignore any failed resources
})
.then(() => {
console.log("All loaded");
});

on

inherited Method
Signature
on <Type extends EventNames<this>>(type: Type, listener: EventedCallback<this["@eventTypes"][Type]>): ResourceHandle
Type parameters
<Type extends EventNames<this>>
Inherited from: EventedMixin

Registers an event handler on the instance. Call this method to hook an event with a listener.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
type
Type

An event or an array of events to listen for.

listener
EventedCallback<this["@eventTypes"][Type]>

The function to call when the event fires.

Returns
ResourceHandle

Returns an event handler with a remove() method that should be called to stop listening for the event(s).

PropertyTypeDescription
removeFunctionWhen called, removes the listener from the event.
Example
view.on("click", function(event){
// event is the event handle returned after the event fires.
console.log(event.mapPoint);
});

remove

inherited Method
Signature
remove (layer: Layer): Layer | null | undefined
Inherited from: LayersMixin

Removes the specified layer from the layers collection. The Collection.@before-changes, Collection.@before-remove, Collection.@after-remove, Collection.@after-changes and Collection.@change events will be emitted when this method is called.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
layer

Layer to remove from the layers collection.

Returns
Layer | null | undefined

Returns the layer removed from the layers collection.

removeAll

inherited Method
Signature
removeAll (): Layer[]
Inherited from: LayersMixin

Removes all layers. The Collection.@before-changes, Collection.@before-remove, Collection.@after-remove, Collection.@after-changes and Collection.@change events will be emitted when this method is called.

Returns
Layer[]

Returns the layers removed from the layers collection.

removeMany

inherited Method
Signature
removeMany (layers: Layer[]): Layer[]
Inherited from: LayersMixin

Removes the specified layers. The Collection.@before-changes, Collection.@before-remove, Collection.@after-remove, Collection.@after-changes and Collection.@change events will be emitted when this method is called.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
layers
Layer[]

Array of layers to remove from the layers collection.

Returns
Layer[]

Returns the layers removed from the layers collection.

reorder

inherited Method
Signature
reorder (layer: Layer, index?: number): Layer | null | undefined
Inherited from: LayersMixin

Changes the layer order. The first layer added is always the base layer, even if its order is changed. The Collection.@change event will be emitted when this method is called.

In 3D, for layers that are rendered on the terrain, the order of the layers also depends on the type of layer. Tiled layers (BaseTileLayer, ImageryTileLayer, OpenStreetMapLayer, TileLayer, VectorTileLayer, WCSLayer, WebTileLayer and WMTSLayer) are always drawn first in the same order as specified in the layer collection. Dynamic layers (MapImageLayer, ImageryLayer, WMSLayer, and feature based layers with elevation mode on-the-ground) are rendered on top using the order from the layer collection.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
layer

The layer to be moved.

index

The index location for placing the layer. The bottom-most layer has an index of 0.

Returns
Layer | null | undefined

Returns the layer that was moved.

save

Method
Signature
save (options?: LayerSaveOptions): Promise<PortalItem>
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.28

Saves the layer to its existing portal item in the Portal authenticated within the user's current session. If the layer is not saved to a PortalItem, then you should use saveAs().

Known Limitations

Only layers supported by the web map specification can be saved to a group layer. Media layers can only have a single ImageElement as the MediaLayer.source.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
options

Various options for saving the layer.

Returns
Promise<PortalItem>

When resolved, returns the portal item to which the layer is saved.

Example
const portalItem = await layer.save();

saveAs

Method
Signature
saveAs (portalItem: PortalItem, options?: LayerSaveAsOptions): Promise<PortalItem>
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.28

Saves the layer to a new portal item in the Portal authenticated within the user's current session.

Known Limitations

Only layers supported by the web map specification can be saved to a group layer. Media layers can only have a single ImageElement as the MediaLayer.source.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
portalItem

The portal item to which the layer will be saved.

options

Various options for saving the layer.

Returns
Promise<PortalItem>

When resolved, returns the portal item to which the layer is saved.

Example
const portalItem = new PortalItem();
await layer.saveAs(portalItem);

when

inherited Method
Signature
when <TResult1 = this, TResult2 = never>(onFulfilled?: OnFulfilledCallback<this, TResult1> | null | undefined, onRejected?: OnRejectedCallback<TResult2> | null | undefined): Promise<TResult1 | TResult2>
Type parameters
<TResult1 = this, TResult2 = never>
Inherited from: EsriPromiseMixin
Since
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.6

when() may be leveraged once an instance of the class is created. This method takes two input parameters: an onFulfilled function and an onRejected function. The onFulfilled executes when the instance of the class loads. The onRejected executes if the instance of the class fails to load.

Parameters
ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
onFulfilled

The function to call when the promise resolves.

onRejected

The function to execute when the promise fails.

Returns
Promise<TResult1 | TResult2>

Returns a new promise for the result of onFulfilled that may be used to chain additional functions.

Example
// Although this example uses MapView, any class instance that is a promise may use when() in the same way
let view = new MapView();
view.when(function(){
// This function will execute once the promise is resolved
}, function(error){
// This function will execute if the promise is rejected due to an error
});

Events

layerview-create

inherited Event
Inherited from: Layer

Fires after the layer's LayerView is created and rendered in a view.

See also
bubbles composed cancelable
Example
// This function will fire each time a layer view is created for this
// particular view.
layer.on("layerview-create", function(event){
// The LayerView for the layer that emitted this event
event.layerView;
});

layerview-create-error

inherited Event
layerview-create-error: CustomEvent<LayerLayerviewCreateErrorEvent>
Inherited from: Layer

Fires when an error emits during the creation of a LayerView after a layer has been added to the map.

See also
bubbles composed cancelable
Example
// This function fires when an error occurs during the creation of the layer's layerview
layer.on("layerview-create-error", function(event) {
console.error("LayerView failed to create for layer with the id: ", layer.id, " in this view: ", event.view);
});

layerview-destroy

inherited Event
Inherited from: Layer

Fires after the layer's LayerView is destroyed and no longer renders in a view.

bubbles composed cancelable

Type definitions

GroupLayerVisibilityMode

Type definition
Type
"independent" | "exclusive" | "inherited"