Create a hosted feature layer

A common workflow in ArcGIS Velocity is to have a real-time or big data analytic generate a layer that is part of the feature layer (new) output.

When you need a stand-alone Velocity-hosted feature layer without analytics, you can create one directly from the Layers page without creating or running a real-time or big data analytic. Once created, the feature layer and associated map image layer are available for use in Velocity.

This output feature layer maintains a defined schema, allowing any incoming feeds with a matching schema to be used for analytics and written directly to the feature layer output. You can write to this layer using real-time analytics or big data analytics by adding it as an existing feature layer.

Tip:

You can also write to this layer directly or programmatically using ArcGIS REST APIs.

Create a feature layer

To create a feature layer through the Layers page in Velocity, complete the following steps:

1. Open the Velocity app in a browser, and sign in using your ArcGIS organization credentials.
2. Click the Layers tab under the Output section to open the Layers page.
3. Click + Create layer to open the Create Layer dialog box.

   

4. For the Define Schema section, do the following:
   1. Choose the Add field option to add new fields.

      The supported field types are string, Boolean, date, int32, int64, float32, and float64.

   2. Provide the field name.
   3. Click Next.

      

5. Provide details about the fields that will be used for spatial and temporal capabilities in the Identify Key Fields section.
   1. Click the Geometry type drop-down arrow, and specify a type.

      The following geometry types are supported:

      • None
      • Point
      • Polyline
      • Polygon
      • Multipoint
      • Envelope

      Learn more about location parameters

   2. If the data contains date fields, configure the date and time settings.

      You may need to specify the start and end time.

   3. Click the Track ID drop-down arrow, and choose the applicable option.

      Learn more about tracking

   4. Click Next.

      

6. Provide details about the properties in the Configure Layer Properties section as follows:
   1. Specify a data retention period.

      Learn more about data retention

   2. Specify whether the data is exported.
   3. Optionally, configure the Aggregation styles and Editor tracking settings.
   4. Click Next.

      

7. Name and save the layer in the Save section as follows:
   1. Provide a unique name for the feature layer.
   2. Optionally, provide a summary describing the use and content of the layer.
   3. Specify the folder where the layer will be saved.
   4. Click Complete to create the feature layer.

      

Once the layers are created, you can close the Create Layer dialog box, and view the feature layer and associated map image layer on the Layers page.

View a feature layer

To view the created feature layer and associated map image layer, complete the following steps:

1. In a browser, open the Velocity app, and sign in using your ArcGIS organization credentials.
2. Click the Layers tab under the Output section to open the Layers page.

   On the Layers page, you can review each layer’s title, layer type, associated dataset, and modified date.

   Note:

   You can filter layers by title, and switch views between a table or grid format.

3. To view a feature layer or map image layer in a web map, click Open in Map Viewer .

   A new browser tab opens and displays a web map with the feature layer or map image layer.

   

   Learn more about visualizing feature layers

4. To edit a feature layer or map image layer, click Edit .

   A browser tab opens with various configuration options for reviewing and editing.

   

   

   Learn more about visualizing feature layers and visualizing map image layers.

With the feature or map image layer open in Map Viewer, you can review the data on an interactive web map. Explore the layer, adjust symbology, and apply rendering options using the tools in Map Viewer. If you chose to edit, the layer opens in a configuration view where you can update settings, adjust layer properties, and make additional edits as required.

Delete a feature layer

When working with feature layers in Velocity, you can delete a feature layer and its accompanying map image layer. Keep in mind that deleting the feature layer also deletes its data, any data exported to the feature layer archive, and the associated map image layers.

To delete a feature layer and its accompanying map image, complete the following steps:

1. In a browser, open the Velocity app, and sign in using your ArcGIS organization credentials.
2. Click the Layers tab under the Output section to open the Layers page.
3. Locate the layer you want to delete, click the more options button, and choose Delete.

   

   Tip:

   Optionally, delete multiple layers at once by checking each layer's check box. When one or more layers are selected this way, the Delete selected layers option appears. Click this option to remove all selected layers.

   

4. In the confirmation dialog box, click Yes to permanently delete a feature layer or a map image layer.

   Caution:

   Deleting a feature layer cannot be undone, and all data will be deleted.

A map image layer is a visualization of the data and is tied to the life cycle of the feature layer. A map image layer can be deleted without deleting the underlying data. Even if you delete the associated map image layer, the feature layer remains.

Considerations and limitations

Consider the following when using feature layers in Velocity:

• Creating a feature layer through the Layers page is designed only for the Velocity-backed feature layer.
• Deleting a feature layer also deletes the associated map image layer and underlying data.