Create a map for mobile workers to use in the Field Maps mobile app. The types of maps supported in Field Maps and the products used to create them are listed in the table below:
| Map type | Description | Product |
|---|---|---|
Data collection maps are used to collect data and perform inspections in the field. They include layers enabled for editing and forms that mobile workers fill out while completing field workflows. | Field Maps web app, Map Viewer, or ArcGIS Pro | |
Read-only maps are used to view data in the field. They can be a web map or a mobile map package (MMPK). | Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro | |
Floor-aware maps are used to edit, view, and filter indoors assets. Indoor positioning systems (IPS) are also supported for generating location within a building. | Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro |
Following the sections in this topic, you can create maps for online use. To customize web maps for offline use or to create an MMPK, see Prepare maps for download.
Create a map for data collection
Maps for data collection allow mobile workers to collect data and perform inspections in the field. They include layers enabled for editing and forms that mobile workers fill out when completing field workflows. They can also include read-only layers that provide additional context while collecting data. Create a map for data collection in one of the following ways:
- Create a map with the Field Maps web app—If you're getting started with a new data collection project, you can create a map and the layers it contains using the Field Maps web app. Each layer you create is automatically enabled for editing, so you can immediately begin building the forms used for data collection after creating the map.
- Create a map with Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro—If you've already prepared layers enabled for editing or want to set up inspection workflows using tables and related records, create a web map with Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro. After you publish the map, you can configure the forms used for data collection in the Field Maps web app.
Create a map with the Field Maps web app
Get started with a new data collection project by creating a web map and the layers it contains with the Field Maps web app. Create a map with Field Maps by completing the following steps:
- In a browser, sign in to your organization and open the Field Maps
web app from the app launcher in ArcGIS Online.
The Maps page appears.
- Click + New map.
The New map page appears and includes on-screen instructions that guide you through the map creation process.
- On the Create layers tab, define the layers that will be used for data collection.
- In the Layer name text box, enter a name for the layer.
- Click the Layer type drop-down menu and select Point layer, Line layer, or Polygon layer. The type of layer you select depends on the type of information being captured:
- Point—Use a point layer when collecting individual assets or observations such as fire hydrants, trees, or storm debris.
- Line—Use a line layer to collect linear features, such as roads, sidewalks, or pipelines.
- Polygon—Use a polygon layer when collecting features with area, such as land parcels, boundaries, or small bodies of water.
- Add more layers by clicking the Add button
. - Once you've finished adding layers, click Next.
- On the Layer settings tab, answer the following questions:
Will high-accuracy GPS receivers be used to collect data?
If enabled, GPS metadata fields will be added to the layer. For more information, see Prepare for high-accuracy data collection.
- Will 3D spaces be modeled or analyzed?
If enabled, z-values will be collected.
Note:
Once the map is created, layer settings cannot be changed.
- After you've set the layer settings, click Next.
- On the Title and save tab, provide the following information:
- In the Map title text box, enter a name for the map.
When mobile workers view the map in the Field Maps mobile app, this is the title that displays.
- In the Feature layer title text box, enter a name for the feature layer.
The feature layer contains the layers defined on the Create layers tab and is stored as an item in your organization.
- Click the Folder drop-down menu and select the folder in which to save your map. You can also create a new folder.
- In the Map title text box, enter a name for the map.
- Click the Create map button to create and save your map.
Tip:
Before you click the Create map button, you can review the information on the previous tabs by clicking Back.
The map and layers are created and added as items to your organization. The Forms page appears where you can begin building the forms used for data collection. You can also configure the map for use in the field and share the map with mobile workers.
Create a map with Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro
You can create a map for data collection in Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro and share it for use in Field Maps. If you haven't created a web map using Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro, see one of the following resources:
- Get started with maps in ArcGIS Online
- Get started with maps in ArcGIS Enterprise
- Get started with Map Viewer by creating a policy map to address health conditions
- Author a web map in ArcGIS Pro
- Open a web browser and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
- If you're using ArcGIS Online, go to https://www.arcgis.com/home.
- If you're using ArcGIS Enterprise, go to your Enterprise portal home page. This often follows the format https://www.yourportalname.com/arcgis.
- At the top of the website, click Map to open Map Viewer.
- Add the existing editable layers you have or that you created in the previous sections as follows:
- For hosted feature layers, click Layers, click + Add layer, then search for and add your layers. See Add layers to maps in ArcGIS Online or Search for layers in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
- For ArcGIS Server feature services, click Add, click Web service, provide the URL to the layer, and add it. See Add layers from the web in ArcGIS Online or Add layers from the web in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
Configure feature templates
Use feature templates to categorize your assets or observations. You can set default values that are unique to each template. In Field Maps, the templates display as types of assets and observations you can create, giving mobile workers a head start on entering information in the form. Once you've created feature templates, you can configure them using the Field Maps web app. For more information, see Configure the map.
To learn how to create feature templates, see Create feature templates in ArcGIS Online, Create feature templates in ArcGIS Enterprise, or Create a feature template in ArcGIS Pro.
Note:
Feature templates cannot be created in the new Map Viewer.
Filter visible data
If the mobile workers don't need to see all the data in the layer, filter what is shown. You can do this by creating a hosted feature layer view, or you can filter the layer that you've already added to your map.
- Create a hosted feature layer view—Restrict access to specific entries in the form and specific features in the data. To create a hosted feature layer view, see Limit the data available to mobile workers.
- Set a filter in the map—If you don't own the layer, you can set a filter in the map. The features included in the map are limited based on your requirements. To remove specific entries from the form, you'll need to set the filter when you configure the form.
Set a refresh interval
If the mobile workers or those in the office need to see data updates made while the mobile workers are in the field, set a refresh interval on the layers. See Set a refresh interval in ArcGIS Online or Set a refresh interval in ArcGIS Enterprise.
Disable editing on certain layers
If you are updating existing assets or observations with current status, keeping historical reports available, you can restrict mobile workers from editing the asset or observation and only allow them to edit the related report (for example, if you want historical reports). Disable editing on the layer of assets or observations, leaving it only enabled on the table of inspection reports. See Disable editing in ArcGIS Online or Disable editing in ArcGIS Enterprise.
Add noneditable reference data
You may have data that mobile workers don't need to edit, but that they do need to see on the map. For example, if mobile workers are creating proposed bike routes, having existing bike routes on the map helps them place their proposed routes.
For supported reference data, see Basemap and other reference data requirements. If your data isn't supported, import it into ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise as you did your editable data. When you publish, you do not need to make this data editable (as you did for the editable layer). See Hosted layers in ArcGIS Online or Hosted layers in ArcGIS Enterprise.
Next steps
Once you've created the map for data collection, choose the default basemap, configure the forms, customize the map for the field, and share it with mobile workers.
Create a read-only map
Read-only maps allow mobile workers access to the most current data while in the field. When working with read-only maps, mobile workers can view data, mark up the map, search for features, and get directions to assets. A read-only map can be either a web map or an MMPK. The type you create depends on the needs of your mobile workers.
- Web map—If your mobile workers always have an internet connection, even out in the field, provide a web map. When used with an internet connection, web maps allow mobile workers to access the same data used in the office. Web maps can also be configured for offline use if your mobile workers work in areas without a reliable internet connection. If you use ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise to create maps, you know how to create web maps for use in Field Maps—the maps are made the same way.
- MMPK—Create an MMPK if you need to include advanced data or symbology not supported in a web map or if you want to copy maps directly to a mobile device. MMPKs can be used offline, so mobile workers can use them when they are in an area without a reliable internet connection. To create MMPKs, see Prepare maps for download.
Note:
Your user type limits the maps you can create. The Creator and GIS Professional user types can create web maps. Creating MMPKs requires ArcGIS Pro, which is included with the GIS Professional user type.
Read-only maps cannot be edited by mobile workers. If you want mobile workers to capture information and perform inspections in the field by editing data, see Create a map for data collection.
- Get started with maps in ArcGIS Online
- Get started with maps in ArcGIS Enterprise
- Get started with Map Viewer by creating a policy map to address health conditions
- Author a web map in ArcGIS Pro
Add noneditable reference layers
Add the noneditable reference layers to the map you want mobile workers to access in the field.
Tip:
If you are on the item page of a layer you are adding to your map, click Open in Map Viewer. Skip to step 3 (if you have more layers to add) or step 4, and continue from there to customize your map.
- Open a web browser and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
- If you're using ArcGIS Online, go to https://www.arcgis.com/home.
- If you're using ArcGIS Enterprise, go to your Enterprise portal home page. This often follows the format https://www.yourportalname.com/arcgis.
- At the top of the website, click Map to open Map Viewer.
- Add noneditable reference layers to the map in the following ways:
- For hosted feature layers, click Layers, click + Add layer, then search for and add your layers. See Add layers to maps in ArcGIS Online or Search for layers in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
- For ArcGIS Server feature services, click Add, click Web service, provide the URL to the layer, and add it. See Add layers from the web in ArcGIS Online or Add layers from the web in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
Data requirements
To include your data in a map, it must be available online. To make it available online, publish your data as hosted feature layers or as an ArcGIS Server service. See Publish hosted feature layers in ArcGIS Online, Publish hosted feature layers in ArcGIS Enterprise, or Approaches to publishing services for ArcGIS Server. When you create a map that includes your layer or service, the map can be opened in Field Maps.
For a list of supported reference data, see Basemap and other reference data.
Next steps
Once you've created a read-only map, choose the default basemap, customize the map for the field, and share it with mobile workers.
Create a floor-aware map
Floor-aware maps allow mobile workers to edit and view indoor feature layers that contain information about floors and buildings. When a floor-aware map is opened in Field Maps, the Floor filter can be used to filter indoor assets by floor. Floor-aware maps can be created in ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online. For more information, see Floor-aware maps in ArcGIS Pro or Configure floor-aware maps in ArcGIS Online.
Once you've created a floor-aware map, choose the default basemap, customize the map for the field, and share it with mobile workers. If you want mobile workers to edit indoor features, ensure the feature layers are enabled for editing. To learn how to use floor-aware maps in the Field Maps mobile app, see the Floor-aware map and floor filter quick reference.
Set up indoor positioning
Field Maps supports indoor positioning systems (IPS) with ArcGIS IPS. If you open a map in the Field Maps mobile app that's configured for IPS, Field Maps will automatically detect IPS beacons within a building and use them to generate your location in the app. IPS can be used for indoor geofencing and location sharing.
Field Maps automatically determines the best location source to use—IPS or the device's integrated GPS. If you move to a different floor in the building, the map automatically updates to display the floor you're on. To learn how to set up indoor positioning, see Get started with ArcGIS IPS.
Note:
Indoor positioning is not required to create or use floor-aware maps in Field Maps.
Choose the default basemap
Mobile workers can change the basemap in Field Maps. Your job as the map author is to provide the basemap the mobile workers need for most of their work. It is the basemap that is taken offline with your map by default, and only offline basemaps are available to mobile workers working offline. See Choose a basemap in ArcGIS Online or Choose a basemap in ArcGIS Enterprise.
Tip:
You can use a basemap other than the default basemap in offline maps. See Reference an on-device basemap for details.
Your mobile workers can use a basemap that isn't available to the map in your organization. If you have a basemap available as a tile package but not as a basemap in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise, you can copy it to the mobile workers' devices for their use.
Configure the pop-up
When mobile workers view information about features on the map, they are viewing the pop-up created for the layer. Pop-ups viewed in Field Maps are configured in Map Viewer and can include the following types of elements:
| Pop-up element | Description |
|---|---|
| Fields | Include a list of fields from the layer to provide information about the feature. |
| Attribute expressions | Create custom attribute expressions to calculate and display new information from existing fields in the layer. For an example, see Calculate pop-up information with attribute expressions. |
| Attachments | Display attachments (pictures, videos, audio recordings, or documents). |
| Images | Include images (PNG, JPEG, or GIF format). |
| Charts | Add charts (bar charts, line charts, or pie charts) to graphically display the values of numeric attribute fields. |
| Text | Provide text to add more context and information (including custom HTML formatting). |
| Custom Arcade elements | Create custom pop-up elements using Arcade. |
Note:
The related records pop-up element is not currently supported in Field Maps. However, related records will still display when a feature is selected in the mobile app.
You can group pop-up elements together into collapsible sections and add descriptions and titles to provide additional information. For more information about configuring pop-ups in Map Viewer, see Configure pop-ups in ArcGIS Online or Configure pop-ups in ArcGIS Enterprise.
Calculate pop-up information with attribute expressions
You can calculate information in pop-ups with Arcade attribute expressions. For example, you can convert units, include trailing text to show units, combine multiple fields for a more intuitive read, or specify a custom format.
The example below shows how to create an expression that indicates whether an asset needs to be inspected. If it hasn't been inspected in the past year, the title of the pop-up updates to Inspection Required. Otherwise, the title shows the formatted date of the last inspection. To add this expression to your own pop-up, complete the following steps:
- While configuring the pop-up, click Attribute expressions, and click + Add expression.
- In the editor window, provide the Arcade expression that creates the calculation as follows:
if (DateDiff(Date(), $feature.InspectionDate, 'years') > 1) 'Inspection Required' else 'Inspected ' + Text(ToLocal($feature.InspectionDate), 'M/D/YY')Note:
This expression requires a layer that includes the last inspection date in the InspectionDate field.
- Click the title of the expression and give it a new name, such as Inspection Title.
- Click Done to create the expression.
The new expression is listed under Attribue expressions.
- Return to the Pop-ups pane and click Title.
- Delete the text for Title and click Add field
next to it. Select the new expression you created. - Click Done.
- View the pop-up in your map.
The title reflects the attribute expression's calculation. When you view the pop-up in Field Maps, the same title appears.
For more information, see Use expressions in ArcGIS Online or Use expressions in ArcGIS Enterprise.
Customize the map for the field
When working in the field, mobile workers use maps under a variety of conditions. Customizing your map for the field allows mobile workers to better access and understand the data they need to complete field workflows. The following are some suggestions for customizing a map that performs well in the field:
- Customize symbology—Use symbology that is clear and easy to see in the field. See Apply styles in ArcGIS Online or Change style in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
- Symbolize features based on related data—Use the Join Features tool to associate the field you want to symbolize on from your related record with the feature, save the result as a new hosted layer view (it updates as the original data changes), and use that hosted layer view in your map. See Join Features in ArcGIS Online or Join Features in ArcGIS Enterprise for more information. Hosted layer views created with the Join Features tool are read-only and can't be taken offline.
Note:
The Join Features tool is not available in the new Map Viewer.
- Set visible range—Set a scale dependency (making layers display at various zoom levels) to prevent clutter on the map. See Set transparency and visible range in ArcGIS Online or Set visible range in ArcGIS Enterprise.
- Configure labels—Mobile workers may need to see labels on the map. You can make these available to them by configuring labels for the feature layers. See Configure labels in ArcGIS Online or Create labels in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
- Provide bookmarks—If there are areas commonly accessed by mobile workers, create bookmarks they can use to quickly go to those locations. See Bookmark places in ArcGIS Online or Bookmark places in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
- Support feature search—By default, you can search for places, addresses, and coordinates on a map. Often, users of your map want to search for particular features they see on the map. When you create the map, enable finding locations by layer so your users can search for features. Provide hint text, enable search for each searchable layer, and specify the fields that can be searched.
For example, if you are creating a map of fire hydrants and your users want to search for hydrants by their IDs, include a fire hydrant layer in the map that contains the IDs. In the map's details in the browser, provide hint text, such as Hydrant ID, and specify that the hydrant layer should be searched using the field with the IDs. You can support exact matches, or match all hydrants with IDs containing the search string the mobile worker entered.
See Configure feature search in ArcGIS Online or Configure feature search in ArcGIS Enterprise for details.
- Provide useful pop-ups—When mobile workers view information about features on the map, they are viewing the pop-up you created for that feature. When creating your map, configure the pop-up with the information mobile workers need. See Configure pop-ups in ArcGIS Online or Configure pop-ups in ArcGIS Enterprise for details. You must accept your pop-up changes and save the map after editing the pop-up.
Note:
If features don't include pop-ups, mobile workers can't interact with them on the map.
Share the map
Once you've created a web map, you can keep it private, share it among your groups or with your organization, or make it public. See Share your map for use in Field Maps for more information.
Next steps
Now that you have created the map your mobile workers use in the field, you can configure it based on the needs of your organization.
- Configure the map using the Field Maps web app.
- Prepare your map for offline use if your mobile workers work in areas with low, unreliable, or no data connection.
- Prepare your map for high-accuracy data location and collection if your project requires better accuracy with reliable quality control.
- Configure the form mobile workers will use to collect data in the field.
- Test and deploy your map so it’s ready for your mobile workers.