Create a new dataset
Overview
You will learn: a fast and easy way to create data in the cloud for your apps.
With your ArcGIS Developer Subscription, you can use the Create Layer tool and the Map Viewer to easily create new datasets for your apps. The Create Layer tool lets you interactively define the name, feature type (points, lines or polygons), and fields, and then save it to the cloud (ArcGIS Online). This process is called publishing a hosted feature layer. Behind every feature layer is a REST feature service. Since feature layers are empty after you create them, the easiest way to add data is to use the Map Viewer to digitize features interactively. Once created, your apps can access the services to query, draw or edit the data. Feature services are the building blocks for developing powerful data-driven geographic applications.
In this lab you will create a new dataset of points that represents park access points for Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The data will be stored in ArcGIS Online and can be used in other labs.
Steps
Define a new dataset with the ArcGIS Developer tools
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Go to ArcGIS for Developers and sign in.
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Click Dashboard + > New Layer > Create an Empty Layer
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In Details, set the following properties:
- Title: Griffith Park Access
- Tags: Griffith Park
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In Geometry, choose the following:
- Geometry: Points
- Spatial Reference: 4326
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In Fields, create the following fields:
Field Name Type Required Name String Type String Surface String -
In Settings, choose the following:
- This Layer can be accessed by: Everyone (Public)
- Enable editing.
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Click Create Layer.
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In the Layer Item page, take a moment to explore the properties of the new dataset.
- Overview
- Data
- Visualization
- Usage
- Settings
Add features with the Map Viewer
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Click Open in Map Viewer.
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Search for Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA and then zoom in closer so you can see the streets clearly.
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Click Edit > New Feature and click on the map to create three new features that represent access points from the streets. Be sure to fill in all of the fields. NOTE: The points can be ficticious.
Name Type Surface Required West Trail Hiking Path Dirt North Bike Path Entrance Bike Path Pavement Hollyridge Trail Walking Path Gravel -
Click Save > Save Map to save your map for future reference.
Congratulations, you're done!
Your map and layer (feature service) should look something like this.
Related Labs
Import data
Load your data into the cloud (xls, gpx, GeoJSON, shapefiles).
Explore layer data
View features with ArcGIS Online tools and the REST API.
Configure layers
Set the default properties for layers.
Discover data
Explore layers and maps from a variety of sources.
Share your content
Keep your layers private, or share them publicly.
Create a web map (2D)
Use the Map Viewer to find layers and create a new web map.
Style a vector basemap
Use the ArcGIS Vector Style Editor to create basemaps with custom styles.
Style a web map
Use the Map Viewer to style layers and create meaningful visualizations.
Challenge
Explore the Item Details page
Go to ArcGIS for Developers > Layers or the Map Viewer to reach the items details page and explore the settings for your layer and the functionality available.
The items details page describes your feature service and allows you to perform a number of operations, including creating a view, publishing or exporting your data.
Find the URL
In the item page, find the Service URL link and identify the service endpoint. This is what applications use to access the data. It should look something like this:
https://services3.arcgis.com/GVgbJbqm8hXASVYi/arcgis/rest/services/Griffith_Park_Access/FeatureServer/0
Try pasting the url in your browser to explore the data. Try the Query function at the bottom.
Set permissions
In the item page, locate the Share button and set the permissions to everyone to make your data public. Learn more about sharing items.
Set the styles
In the item page, locate the Visualization button and try styling your layer with different symbols. When you are done, save the symbols. This will allow apps that load the layer to display your new defaults. Learn more about styling layers.
Explore the Table View
In the Map Viewer, the table view is a great way to explore your dataset. You can view fields and rows, and you can also add, remove, sort, filter and calculate field values too. You can also upload media files for each record.
Try exploring the table and some of the table Options.