Create data

Overview

You will learn: how to use the ArcGIS API for Python to add data to an existing feature layer in ArcGIS Online.

In this tutorial you will load the Trailheads feature layer you created in the challenge to the Import Data Tutorial. You can also create a blank online layer with the New Layers online tool.

In this tutorial you will draw graphics by clicking on a map. You'll use the Point and Feature classes to construct data features to add to the layer. The tutorial will create points near Los Angeles, California. The data will be stored in your own ArcGIS Online account and can be used in other tutorial.

Before you begin

The ArcGIS API for Python tutorials use Jupyter Notebooks to execute Python code. If you are new to this environment, please see the guide to install the API and use notebooks locally.

You will use that data you imported from the Import data tutorial in this lab, so make sure you complete that tutorial first.

Steps

Create a new notebook

1. Go to Esri Juptyter Notebooks and click New > Python 3 to create a new notebook.

   In each step below, type (or copy and paste) the commands into a new notebook cell and run the code by clicking run cell or pressing shift + Enter.

2. Add the following code to import the ArcGIS API for Python.

   from arcgis.gis import GIS
   

3. Log into ArcGIS Online by making a GIS connection to ArcGIS Online using your developer account. Replace username and password with your own credentials.

   gis = GIS("https://www.arcgis.com", "username", "password")
   

4. Search for the Trailhead Feature Layer you created, as a challenge, from CSV data in the Import Data tutorial.

   query = 'title: "Trailheads*" AND type: "Feature Service"'
   search_results = gis.content.search(query=query, max_items=10)
   search_results
   

5. Retrieve the Trailhead feature layer collection from the list of results, and display the URL of the item.

   csv_data = search_results[0]
   csv_data.url
   

6. Retrieve the list of layers from the feature layer collection, and assign the Trailshead feature layer to a variable.

   feature_layers = csv_data.layers
   trailheads_layer = feature_layers[0]
   trailheads_layer.properties.name
   

7. Print a list of the field names and types so you can populate the values in the step below.

   for field in trailheads_layer.properties['fields']:
      print('Name: {:16s}\tType: {}'.format(field['name'], field['actualType']))
   

8. Write a callback function for the map widget's on_click method.

   from arcgis import geometry
   from arcgis import features
   
   def create_feature(_map, location):
       try:
           object_id = 1
           point = geometry.Point(location)
           feature = features.Feature(
               geometry=point,
               attributes={
                   'OBJECTID': object_id,
                   'PARK_NAME': 'My Park',
                   'TRL_NAME': 'Foobar Trail',
                   'ELEV_FT': '5000'
               }
           )
   
           trailheads_layer.edit_features(adds=[feature])
           _map.draw(point)
   
       except Exception as e:
           print("Couldn't create the feature. {}".format(str(e)))
   

9. Pass the function create_feature as a parameter to the map widget's on_click() method. Run the cell and begin clicking locations on the map.

   m = gis.map()
   
   # wait for the map to load, and then add the following in a new cell
   m.center = [34.09042, -118.71511]           # `[latitude, longitude]`
   m.zoom = 11
   m.on_click(create_feature)
   

10. Clear the map graphics.

    m.clear_graphics()
    

11. Add the layer to the map to visualize features.

    m.add_layer(trailheads_layer)
    

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