How to work with feature services

To start using feature services, you create the services dynamically with data management tools or scripting APIs. You can import existing datasets (files), define a new dataset, or create (publish) new services from existing services. Each dataset is stored as a feature layer, table, or feature layer view within a feature service. A hosted feature layer (item) is also created for the corresponding service so you can manage and configure the dataset and service settings. To access the service from applications and APIs, you can use the URL and ID assigned by the system. If you are using an ArcGIS Maps SDK, you can also access the service using the hosted layer's item ID.

The general steps to work with feature services are:

1. Create feature layer

To create a feature service, you first need to create a feature layer, feature layer view, or table by importing data. You can import existing datasets from files or define a new dataset.

To create a feature layer:

• Import data from supported file formats (CSV, shapefile, GeoJSON, etc.)
• Define a new dataset with custom fields and geometry types
• Create a feature layer view from an existing feature layer
• Configure field properties and data types

2. Manage feature service

After creating a feature layer, you can manage the hosted feature layer (item) and service properties. This includes configuring field properties, setting up relationships, and managing service capabilities.

To manage a feature service:

• Configure field properties and data types
• Set up relationships between tables
• Manage service capabilities (query, edit, sync)
• Configure sharing and access permissions
• Set up feature layer views for data filtering

3. Access feature service

Once your feature service is created and configured, you can access it from applications and APIs to display or query features.

To access a feature service:

1. Get the service URL for the feature service you want to access
2. Set the service URL in your application
3. Add the layer to a map or query the features

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Tutorials

Import data to create a feature layer

Use data management tools to import files and create a feature layer in a feature service.

ArcGIS portal

Define a new feature layer

Use data management tools to define and create a new empty feature layer in a feature service.

ArcGIS portalPython APIREST JS

Manage a feature layer

Use a hosted feature layer item to set the properties and settings of a feature layer in a feature service.

ArcGIS portal

Create a vector tile service

Use data management tools to create a new vector tile service from a feature service.

ArcGIS portalPython APIREST JS

Create a map tile service

Use ArcGIS Online or scripting APIs to publish a map tile service.

ArcGIS portalPython APIREST JS

Add a feature layer

Access and display point, line, and polygon features from a feature service.

JavaScript Maps SDKKotlin Maps SDKSwift Maps SDK.NET Maps SDKJava Maps SDKQt Maps SDKLeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayersCesiumJSPython APIREST JS

Add a vector tile layer

Access and display a vector tile layer in a map.

JavaScript Maps SDKLeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayers

Add a map tile layer

Access and display a map tile layer in a map.

LeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayersCesiumJS

Style a feature layer

Use symbols and renderers to style feature layers.

JavaScript Maps SDKKotlin Maps SDKSwift Maps SDK.NET Maps SDKJava Maps SDKQt Maps SDKLeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayersCesiumJS

Query a feature layer (spatial)

Execute a spatial query to get features from a feature layer.

JavaScript Maps SDKLeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayersCesiumJSPython APIREST JSREST API

Query a feature layer (SQL)

Execute a SQL query to access polygon features from a feature layer.

JavaScript Maps SDKKotlin Maps SDKSwift Maps SDK.NET Maps SDKJava Maps SDKQt Maps SDKLeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayersCesiumJSPython APIREST JSREST API

Edit feature data

Add, update, and delete features in a feature service.

JavaScript Maps SDKPython APIREST JSREST API

Display a popup

Format a popup to show attributes in a feature layer.

JavaScript Maps SDKLeafletMapLibre GL JSOpenLayersCesiumJS

Workflows

Create a feature service for an app

Learn how to import parcel data, create and style a feature layer, and then access the features in an app.

Create a feature layer view for an editor app

Learn how to import parcel data, create and style a feature layer view, and then access the features in an editing app.

Create a vector tile service for an app

Learn how to import parcel data, style a feature layer, and then create a vector tile service for an app.

Create a map tile service for an app

Learn how to import contour data, style a feature layer, and create a map tile service for an app.

Services

API support

Use data management tools or Client APIs to create, manage, and access data services. The table below outlines the level of support for each API.

Tools