Create a new dataset | ArcGIS for Developers

ArcGIS DevLabs ArcGIS Online Manage Data

Overview

You will learn: how to define a new layer and add features interactively with the Map Viewer.

With your ArcGIS Developer account, 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

Go to ArcGIS for Developers and sign in or sign up for a free account.
Click Dashboard + > New Layer > Create an Empty Layer
In Details, set the following properties:
- Title: Griffith Park Access
- Tags: Griffith Park
In Geometry, choose the following:

Coordinate systems other than WGS84 lat/long are also supported.
- Geometry: Points
- Spatial Reference: 4326
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.
Click Create Layer.

Creating a new dataset creates a new feature layer (feature service) in the cloud (ArcGIS Online).
In the Layer Item page, take a moment to explore the properties of the new dataset.

The feature layer item page provides a powerful set of tools for viewing and managing your data. Here you can set the layer name and metadata, control the sharing permissions, view tabular and feature data, view usage, acquire the REST URL endpoint and more. Make special note of the URL as this is what your applications will use to access the layer.
- Overview
- Data
- Visualization
- Usage
- Settings

Field Name	Type	Required
Name	String
Type	String
Surface	String

Add features with the Map Viewer

Click Open in Map Viewer.

The Map Viewer is a mapping application that can be used to explore, edit, and visualize data. Here you will use the application to add point features to your dataset.
Search for Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA and then zoom in closer so you can see the streets clearly.
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.

The Map Viewer saves features automatically as you add them, so you are not required to save the map - although it's a good idea.

Name	Type	Surface
West Trail	Hiking Path	Dirt
North Bike Path Entrance	Bike Path	Pavement
Hollyridge Trail	Walking Path	Gravel

Congratulations, you're done!

Your map and layer (feature service) should look something like this.

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.

Learn more about the ArcGIS REST API

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.