Enable Feature Search for Subtype Group Layers in Web Maps

ElineKrabolElvia — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:42:31 GMT

At Elvia, we are deploying ArcGIS Field Maps for field operations using a Utility Network data model in which assets are organized as subtype group layers. We wanted to share a use case we have encountered, and suggest a potential improvement that we believe would benefit Utility Network deployments more broadly.

Field Maps currently reads only the default locator configured in the portal — in our case, an address locator from Geodata Online. This means field crews are currently limited to address-based search within the app.

For standard feature layers, this can typically be addressed by configuring feature search in the web map. However, feature search does not currently appear to be supported for subtype group layers, which means this workaround is not available for Utility Network data.

As a result, our field crews are unable to search for network assets — such as substations or transformer stations — by name or attribute in Field Maps. This has a noticeable impact on daily field workflows.

We would love to see feature search extended to support subtype group layers in web maps. This would make Utility Network assets searchable in Field Maps and meaningfully improve efficiency for field personnel working with these data models.

idea Enable Feature Search for Subtype Group Layers in Web Maps in ArcGIS Enterprise Ideas

Enable Feature Search for Subtype Group Layers in Web Maps