ModelBuilder (beta) FAQ

What is ModelBuilder (beta) in Map Viewer?

ModelBuilder (beta) is an interactive canvas for building analysis workflows using the analysis tools available in Map Viewer. Models are created by chaining together data and analysis tools into workflows, where the output of one tool becomes the input for another tool. These workflows can range from routine data management tasks to complex spatial analysis. Models streamline your analysis by enabling iterative workflow runs, automating multistep processes, and documenting workflows.

How can I access ModelBuilder (beta)?

To participate the beta program, you must have an ArcGIS Online subscription account with the following requirements:

  • User type: Professional or Professional Plus.
  • Role: Publisher, Facilitator, Administrator, or a custom role with privileges to create, update, and delete content; publish hosted feature layers; and perform analysis.
  • Credits: A minimum of 30 credits available for your account.

Learn more about licensing requirements for ModelBuilder (beta)

Why is the ModelBuilder (Beta) tab missing from the Analysis pane?

If the ModelBuilder (Beta) tab is missing, it may mean you do not have the licensing requirements to use ModelBuilder (beta) or your organization has blocked apps in beta programs.

To unblock apps in beta programs, ArcGIS administrator turn off Block Esri apps while they are in beta under Organization > Settings > Security > Apps.

Learn more about app security settings

How can I provide feedback and get support for ModelBuilder (beta)?

You can share your observations and get support in the forums within the ModelBuilder Early Adopter Community.

ModelBuilder is currently in beta. You might encounter bugs or limited functionality. We are working to address these issues before the general release. You can use the forums to report problems or ask questions, and read the latest announcements.

Which tools are available to use in ModelBuilder (beta)?

ModelBuilder (beta) currently offers 21 of 29 feature analysis tools.

The following feature analysis tools are currently supported: Aggregate Points, Calculate Composite Index, Calculate Density, Create Buffers, Create Viewshed, Create Watersheds, Dissolve Boundaries, Find Centroids, Find Hot Spots, Find Outliers, Find Point Clusters, Find Similar Locations, Generate Tessellations, Interpolate Points, Join Features, Merge Layers, Overlay Layers, Summarize Center and Dispersion, Summarize Nearby, Summarize Within, and Trace Downstream.

The following feature analysis tools are not currently supported to add to a model: Calculate Travel Cost, Choose Best Facilities, Enrich Layer, Extract Data, Find by Attributes and Locations, Find Closest, Generate Travel Areas, and Plan Routes. Summarize Nearby does not support using a travel mode when run from a model. Find Hot Spots and Find Outliers do not support using Esri population data.

Can I add raster analysis tools to a model?

No. The initial release of ModelBuilder focuses on the feature analysis tools. Integration of raster analysis tools is planned for a future update.

Can I schedule a model run?

No. Running models as web tools on a schedule is planned for a future update.

What types of data can I add to a model?

Feature layers and hosted tables can be used as input data in a model. Data can be added directly within the model or through the analysis tool dialog. Users have options to select layers from the web map or browse available layers.

Learn more about adding data to a model

Can I add ArcGIS Living Atlas layers in a model?

Yes! ArcGIS Living Atlas feature layers are supported. You can either add the ArcGIS Living Atlas layers to the web map, or choose from Living Atlas analysis layers from within a tool in a model.

What is intermediate data in a model?

Intermediate data in ModelBuilder refers to temporary data created by the tools as the model runs. These outputs do not publish a hosted service, thereby reducing model run time. Intermediate data cannot be saved or visualized on the map and is solely intended to be used as inputs to other tools in the model.

Learn more about intermediate data

Can the output of a model tool be published as a hosted feature layer?

Yes! By default, each tool in the model generates intermediate data. You can create a hosted output by choosing Create hosted layer or Overwrite existing layer for the Result type parameter in the tool dialog.

Learn more about model outputs

Is it possible to overwrite an existing model output layer?

Yes! You can overwrite an existing result layer by choosing Overwrite existing layer as the result type, or by choosing Create hosted layer and selecting If a layer exists with the same name, automatically overwrite it.

Learn more about model outputs

Can I share a model?

No. Sharing models is not currently available. Sharing will be supported in a future update.

Can I open a model created by another member of my organization?

Models can only be opened by the analysis model item owner and members of the organization with administrator privileges.

In a future update, users will be able to share model items within their organization. This will allow other members who meet the licensing requirements to run models with the same or different parameters.

Can a model be opened in a different web map?

Yes, model items that you own can be opened in a web map.

Learn more about opening models

Can a web map with a model added be deleted?

Yes, a web map with a model can be deleted. The analysis model item will still be available in My content and can be added to other web maps.

Can administrators access and delete models they don't own?

Yes. Administrators can open, modify, and delete all models in their organization.

Does ModelBuilder (beta) charge credits when used in Map Viewer?

Yes, credits are consumed when users connect to an analysis session. A connected analysis session is required to create, edit, and run a model.

Learn more about credits in ModelBuilder

Are additional credits consumed for running a tool in ModelBuilder (beta)?

No additional credits are consumed for running tools in the model. Credit consumption is based on the duration of the analysis session.

Are credits charged to view a model?

No, you do not need to pay credits to view a model. You can browse and view existing models in view-only mode without connecting to an analysis session. Editing a diagram or tools is not supported in view-only mode.

Can I edit a model without starting an analysis session?

No. A connected analysis session is required to edit a model.

How is ModelBuilder (beta) different from ArcGIS Data Pipelines?

ModelBuilder (beta) and ArcGIS Data Pipelines are similar in that they both offer a no code, visual user experience for authoring repeatable workflows on the web. Key differences include the following:

  • ModelBuilder (beta) is designed to automate analysis workflows, leveraging analysis tools found in Map Viewer; Data Pipelines is designed to automate data integration and preparation workflows, and includes several focused tools designed to clean, format, and prepare data for visualization and downstream analysis.
  • ModelBuilder (beta) supports feature layers and tables, with raster data planned for a future update. Data Pipelines is designed to handle vector and tabular data. You can also connect to a range of external data sources using Data Pipelines, including Amazon S3, Google BigQuery, Snowflake, feature layers, and uploaded local files, among others.
  • ModelBuilder (beta) is a capability included in Map Viewer and integrated into Map Viewer analysis; Data Pipelines is an ArcGIS app that is leveraged independently from Map Viewer.