What happens to the definition query on a layer in ArcGIS Pro when the layer is shared as a web layer to AGOL?

Question

Hi,

I've never fully understood what happens when a layer with a definition query on it is shared from ArcGIS Pro 3.6.1 (Pro) to ArcGIS Online (AGOL) using Share As Web Layer. Is there a spot in AGOL to change that original definition query from Pro? It seems to be stuck in that specific filter with no option to change it.

In a recent workflow, I had a definition query on a layer of United States counties in Pro filtering 3 desired counties out of the 3,235. It was easier for me at the time to use the definition query instead of exporting the 3 selected counties as a separate feature class to bring in as another layer. After sharing the layer with the def query as a web layer to AGOL, only my 3 selected counties would show in the Data page of the hosted feature layer and when the feature layer was put in a map. Fantastic.

I ran the item report for my AGOL organization, and I saw that this feature layer that was only supposed to have 3 records had an unusually large feature storage size. I double checked the Data page, still only 3 records in the table. I checked the Visualization page in the Filter tab, no filters were on. I went into the ArcGIS REST Services Directory url for the feature layer to look for more information. On the bottom, in Supported Operations, there is a Get Estimates button which leads to a page that shows the count for the feature layer is 3,235 like the original county feature class.

To double check myself, I exported my 3 desired counties as its own feature class and shared it as a web layer from Pro to AGOL. The feature storage size was much smaller as expected and the count in Get Estimates was only 3.

Since the entire feature class ends up getting uploaded regardless of the definition query, is there a spot that I'm missing in AGOL to adjust the definition query/filter?

Thanks!

JesseSchewe_mnr · Answer

Hi Erik, Hi Russ,

Thank you for your input. I appreciate the info!

RussRoberts · Answer

Yup currently the multiple definition queries published from Pro do not have a a web map property that can show the current active def expression. We do have this available with display filters but currently do not expose the editing of these expressions and it only impacts the display and the features would still be available in the table.

ErikRose · Answer

When you upload a layer to AGOL containing a definition query, you upload ALL the data associated with the layer, and tell AGOL to "ignore" some of the data when displaying the map.  This will result in faster map queries and rendering, because the extra data does not get loaded into the map.  However, you will still pay for storage for all the "extra" data that you aren't using.

In ArcPro, I can have multiple definition queries, switching them on and off as needed within the project, and I have wished for this ability on AGOL.  As it is today, the definition query active during upload is baked into the layer from what I can tell, and you would need to republish to adjust the query.