Create a new dataset

Overview

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

With your ArcGIS 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 tutorial 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 tutorials.

Steps

Define a new dataset with the ArcGIS Developer tools

1. Sign in to your ArcGIS account. If you don't already have one, sign-up for free.

2. Click Dashboard + > New Layer > Create an Empty Layer

3. In Details, set the following properties:

   • Title: Griffith Park Access
   • Tags: Griffith Park

4. In Geometry, choose the following:

   • Geometry: Points
   • Spatial Reference: 4326

5. In Fields, create the following fields:

   Field Name	Type	Required
   Name	String
   Type	String
   Surface	String

6. In Settings, choose the following:

   • This Layer can be accessed by: Everyone (Public)
   • Enable editing.

7. Click Create Layer.

8. 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

1. Click Open in Map Viewer.

2. Search for Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA and then zoom in closer so you can see the streets clearly.

3. 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

4. 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.

Challenge

Explore the Item Details page

Find the URL

Set permissions

Set the styles

Explore the Table View