Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data

BriannaTomko — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:43:54 GMT

I work in coastal and marine GIS supporting environmental field teams that collect habitat and monitoring data. Our workflows rely heavily on ArcGIS Field Maps for field data collection and ArcGIS Online for managing and deploying maps and feature layers. We frequently run multiple field projects that require the same data collection structure. For example, a typical survey may include several feature layers such as seagrass, mangroves, coral, and other habitat data to be collected in the field while referencing transects or project areas within the basemap.

What we would like is the ability to create reusable Field Maps templates that include the feature layers used for field data collection but do not include any previously collected features. The template should preserve the feature layer schema, forms, domains, symbology, and editing settings so the data collection structure is ready to use, but the datasets should start empty for each new deployment. We are not trying to duplicate basemaps or reference layers from ArcGIS Pro, only the feature layers used to capture field observations.

Currently, the only workaround we have found is to manually duplicate the layers and rebuild the map each time through ArcGIS Online by going to New Item → Feature Layer → From Existing Layer to create copies of the layers. Then creating a new Field Map and inserting those "copied" layers. While this works, it becomes repetitive and time-consuming when multiple layers and forms are involved. There is currently an option to create a template in Field Maps, however, it copies any data previously taken in the field.

A template option that preserves the feature layer structure but excludes existing features would significantly improve our workflow. It would allow GIS teams to quickly deploy standardized data collection layers with forms already configured while ensuring every project begins with empty datasets. This would reduce repetitive setup time, prevent accidental editing or overlap with previous survey data, and make it much easier to consistently deploy field data collection maps across multiple projects and field teams.

Re: Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data

MarkBockenhauer — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:47:53 GMT

There are a couple way to do this, mentioned in the post the feature layer template approach being one you are familiar with, but also Map Templates (they were new as of June 2025). https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-field-maps-questions/create-templates-from-configured-field-maps-forms/td-p/1298479/page/2

...and this blog article has a pretty good introduction to Map Templates https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/field-maps/field-mobility/whats-new-in-arcgis-field-maps-june-2025

I think they are just what you are looking for. If there is something more you want from them, let us know.

thanks,
mark

Re: Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data - Status changed to: Already Offered

SarahSaint-Ruth — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:55:34 GMT

idea Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data in ArcGIS Field Maps Ideas

Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data

Re: Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data

Re: Ability to Create Field Maps Templates Without Copying Existing Collected Data - Status changed to: Already Offered