Editing templates—ArcGIS Web Editor

There are two ways to access editing templates in ArcGIS Web Editor: feature templates stored in the service or shared editing templates stored in the database. Shared editing templates include group and preset templates.

Editing templates contain tools and settings for creating features in your database. They also store optional descriptive metadata, and specify the target data source and the feature attribute values applied to features.

Template types

A feature template creates features on a single target layer. Feature templates appear in the Create features pane with a name and a symbol showing the symbology assigned to the target feature layer. For example, feature templates for a feature layer of schools can allow editors to choose whether a new feature should be classified as an elementary school, middle school, or high school. The template author can preset the school type attribute for these three options. This ensures that editors do not enter invalid values for this attribute. In a utility network example, you can define available pipeline types based on the diameter of the pipe and the material that constitutes it.

A group template allows an editor to place multiple features on multiple source layers. They use feature builders to reference existing templates and place features relative to one primary feature that is sketched on a map. For example, you can sketch a street centerline with directional bike routes and sidewalks added on each side at defined distances. Offset capabilities allow the user to specify this distance. In a utility network example, using a group template, you can sketch a waterline and automatically create a fitting and a valve along the line at specified locations.

A preset template allows an editor to place a collection of features. Preset templates add predefined features to a map in the same arrangement that they are selected when the template is created. They use point construction tools and insertion anchors to add, rotate, and snap features into place using the active snapping settings. For example, a preset template for a baseball field in a public park can include baseball diamond geometry, a backstop, dugouts, and bleachers. In a utility network example, a preset template can be configured to place a switchgear container with all its internal switches, fuses, and busbars, and connect them properly. Rotation capabilities allow the user to orient the set of features being placed.