How to create a web map that people in a group cannot change

Question

We are teaching a course with Field Maps. We want each student to collect data using the same web map and hosted feature layer. Then filter their data using the Creator field to make their own web map with their data. We've set the sharing for the web map and hosted feature layer to the organization and a class group. We're finding students are able to save the class web. This results in them sometimes inadvertently saving the class web map with their own filter applied. How do we set things up so everyone edits the feature layer but everyone can't save the web, but can use Save As to create their own web map.  Thanks in advance!

JohnLowry3 · Answer

Hi Venkat.  This is super!  Thank you very much!

Best regards,
John

VenkataKondepati · Answer

Hi John,

Yes, exactly. That’s the right setup.

Web Map → Keep sharing to Owner only so students can view it but not save changes directly.
Hosted Feature Layer → Share to the Organization and the class group so everyone can edit or collect data through Field Maps.

This ensures all students contribute to the same dataset but can’t overwrite or modify the shared map itself. They can still open the web map, apply filters, and use “Save As” to make their own version for individual analysis.

Regards,

Venkat

JohnLowry3 · Answer

Hi Venkat,

OK.  I think I understand what you mean.  So, for the web map the sharing is left at Owner.  But for the hosted feature layer, the sharing is set to the Organization and the AGOL group.   Correct?

Many thanks!