Create a map

Create a map for mobile workers to use in Field Maps. 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	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 Designer, Map Viewer, or ArcGIS Pro
Read-only	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	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 Field Maps Designer—If you're getting started with a new data collection project, you can create a map and the layers it contains using Field Maps Designer. 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 Field Maps Designer.

Create a map with Field Maps Designer

Get started with a new data collection project by creating a web map. You can create a new map or a new empty map. Creating a new map allows you to create a new web map and the layers it will contain. Creating a new empty map allows you to create a web map without layers. Once a map has been created, you can create new layers or add existing layers to the map on the Field Maps Designer Forms page.

Create a new map with Field Maps Designer by completing the following steps:

1. In a browser, sign in to your organization and open Field Maps Designer from the app launcher.

   The Maps page appears.

2. Click + New map.

   The New map page appears and includes on-screen instructions that guide you through the map creation process.

3. On the Create layers tab, define the layers that will be used for data collection.
   1. In the Layer name text box, enter a name for the layer.
   2. 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.
   3. Add more layers by clicking the Add button .
   4. Once you've finished adding layers, click Next.
4. On the Configure settings tab, provide information about the layer and map settings.
   1. 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.

      • Will relative locations be used for linear referencing?

        If enabled, m-values can be stored in the layer.

   2. Optionally, change the coordinate system by clicking the Advanced settings drop-down arrow and selecting a coordinate system from the Set coordinate system drop-down menu.

      The organization's default basemap coordinate system is used by default. You can also browse and select from a list of coordinate systems.

   Note:

   Once the map is created, layer settings cannot be changed.

5. After you've set the layer settings, click Next.
6. On the Title and save tab, provide the following information:
   1. In the Map title text box, enter a name for the map.

      When mobile workers view the map in Field Maps, this is the title that displays.

   2. 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.

   3. Click the Folder drop-down menu and select the folder in which to save your map. You can also create a new folder.
7. 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.

Create a new empty map with Field Maps Designer by completing the following steps:

1. In a browser, sign in to your organization and open Field Maps Designer from the app launcher.

   The Maps page appears.

2. Click the drop-down menu next to + New map and click New empty map.

   The Name and save your map page appears.

3. On the Name and save your map page, provide the following information:
   1. In the Map title text box, enter a name for the map.

      When mobile workers view the map in Field Maps, this is the title that displays.

   2. Click the Folder drop-down menu and select the folder in which to save your map. You can also create a new folder.
4. Click the Save map button to create and save your map.

The map and layers (if added) 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 Map Viewer by creating a policy map to address health conditions
• Author a web map in ArcGIS Pro

After you've created the map (and shared it as a web map, if using ArcGIS Pro), add the editable layers to the map you want mobile workers to access in the field. If you don’t have an editable layer, see Design an editable layer and Prepare an editable layer to learn how to create one.

1. Open a web browser and sign in to your ArcGIS organization at https://www.arcgis.com/home.
2. At the top of the website, click Map to open Map Viewer.
3. Add layers enabled for editing to the map.

   For more information, see Add layers to maps.

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 Field Maps Designer. For more information, see Configure the map.

To learn how to create feature templates, see Create feature templates in ArcGIS Online 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.

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.

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 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.

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 Map Viewer 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.

You can create a read-only map 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 Map Viewer by creating a policy map to address health conditions
• Author a web map in ArcGIS Pro

After you've created the map (and shared it as a web map if using ArcGIS Pro), add the noneditable reference layers to the map you want mobile workers to access in the field.

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.

1. Open a web browser and sign in to your ArcGIS organization at https://www.arcgis.com/home.
2. At the top of the website, click Map to open Map Viewer.
3. Add noneditable reference layers to the map.

   For more information, see Add layers to maps.

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. See Publish hosted feature layers in ArcGIS Online. When you create a map that includes your layer, 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 and 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 Field Maps, 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 Field Maps 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.

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 your ArcGIS organization, 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.

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:

1. While configuring the pop-up, click Attribute expressions, and click + Add expression.
2. 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.

3. Click the title of the expression and give it a new name, such as Inspection Title.
4. Click Done to create the expression.

   The new expression is listed under Attribue expressions.

5. Return to the Pop-ups pane and click Title.
6. Delete the text for Title and click Add field next to it. Select the new expression you created.
7. Click Done.
8. 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.

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. For more information, see Apply styles.
• 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. Hosted layer views created with the Join Features tool are read-only and can't be taken offline. For more information, see Join Features.
• Set visible range—Set a scale dependency (making layers display at various zoom levels) to prevent clutter on the map. For more information, see Set transparency and visible range.
• Configure labels—Mobile workers may need to see labels on the map. You can make these available by configuring labels for the feature layers. For more information, see Configure labels.
• Provide bookmarks—If there are areas commonly accessed by mobile workers, create bookmarks they can use to quickly go to those locations. For more information, see Bookmark places.
• 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.

  For more information, see Configure feature search.

• 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. For more information, see Configure pop-ups.

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 Field Maps Designer.
• 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.