topic Create templates from configured Field Maps forms in ArcGIS Field Maps Questions

Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

RebeccaHavard — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:10:51 GMT

Hi ESRI Community,

When using Field Maps, I need to be able to create and export a template of my configured Field Maps forms for multiple layers in a hosted Feature Layer to apply to each new project.

We create a Field Maps app for each field project we undertake. At the moment, I can duplicate the Feature Layer our field team needs to use to collect data and create a project-specific web map but when I move to Field Maps designer I have to rebuild the form for every layer every time. This is a time-consuming and repetitive task. It would be really beneficial to be able to export a template of the configures 'master' form and apply it to each new project.

Many thanks,

Rebecca

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

DanGruber — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:16:45 GMT

In a recent conversation with ESRI tech support about this, I was told that it is not currently possible but would be submitted as a suggested enhancement. That means the more of us register a desire/need for this feature, the more likely it is to be developed.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

suntoygeo — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:47:21 GMT

Hi Rebecca, I have a similar situation. I cobbled together a notebook that uses a web map as a workspace to copy information around from layer to layer, and then save the changes back to the layer. Shared here if you want to use it.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

ConnorArch — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:57:19 GMT

Any news on this? @ESRISupport

I am having a similar issue over a year with this. It seems like we should easily be able to create fieldmaps forms as templates and then duplicate/add them to new maps for new projects with slight modifications!

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

JasperRomero — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:20:39 GMT

Hi @suntoygeo - sorry to jump on this so late after the fact -

Could the notebook you shared above be used to do things like apply popup configurations from one web feature layer to another (assuming fields are the same) or apply a Field Maps survey form from one map to another by way of the JSON write/read functionality? I am new to working with JSON files with AGOL, but I'm hoping to automate the production of consistent web apps and field map surveys as much as possible. Any suggested references or insights for someone looking to get a better handle on how to use the API for python would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

suntoygeo — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:46:14 GMT

@JasperRomero Yes. In the notebook, you can specify the json keys you want to copy from layer to layer. the popupInfo key stores the pop-up configuration. If you're just getting started with solving this problem, the first thing I'd recommend to make consistent web maps/fieldmaps is to save all settings to the layer, vs storing them in a web map. Then your layers will work the same way in every web map where you include them. I use this script more as a utility, when I need to replicate settings across multiple views. I think there's also an ESRI script floating around on GitHub somewhere that does the same thing..

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

JasperRomero — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:49:03 GMT

Thank you so much for the quick response to my question - there is so much information online, and seemingly so many potential ways to solve a problem, that sometimes I feel like I spin the wheels for a long time before things start to click.

Do you have any suggestions for the fundamentals of working with JSON for AGOL that you have found helpful? I have some experience scripting with python, but mostly geared towards local work with ArcGIS Pro - the web development-lite aspects of AGOL scripting and APIs is still pretty novel for me and I am learning on the fly.

Thanks again - truly appreciate the help!

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

suntoygeo — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:36:20 GMT

I've stumbled my way through mostly, by downloading the JSON from various
items types and exploring the structure. A quick way to dive into that
might be to use AGO Assistant to view that info. I'd also recommend just
looking up general python JSON documentation to learn how to work with
those objects in python. And check out the ESRI GitHub for examples, Arcgis
API for python docs.. lots of Google.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

suntoygeo — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:29:17 GMT

Forgot to add the most obvious answer: https://developers.arcgis.com/web-map-specification/

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

JasperRomero — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:48:18 GMT

Thanks so much! Have been stumbling along myself with many of your initial suggestions but hadn't found the latter. Greatly appreciated!

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

MarkBockenhauer — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:06:13 GMT

With the February 2025 release of ArcGIS Online, when you add a new item—Feature Layer that is based on an existing feature layer, the layer definition (symbols, labels, forms, etc.) will be included in the new feature layer. You will have the entire schema of the source feature layer including layer definition with no features in the new layer.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

SBBG_Sel — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:45:42 GMT

If I create a new layer from an existing layer will it be independent of the source layer? For example, if the source layer is removed from ArcGIS online will the copied layer work without it?

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

SBBG_Sel — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:48:52 GMT

When I tried creating a new feature layer from an existing layer, the forms did not copy over. Any suggestions?

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

MarkBockenhauer — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:58:06 GMT

Unfortunately, the fix for this had to be rolled out due to other complications. The form information is not being copied over at this time. Hopefully this will be straightened out for the next release.

Using ArcGIS Assistant you can edit the layer's json and manually copy the forminfo from the source layer to the new layer.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

MarkBockenhauer — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:51:18 GMT

Update: This is working in the latest online release. Using the steps above, you can use any feature layer as a template for a new feature layer, retaining the layer definition (popup, forms, symbols, and more) in the newly created feature layer.

Also, with Field Maps Designer you can create a map template from an existing map.

Then create a new map using the template.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

katemcc918 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:56:35 GMT

Any sense of when this might make it to ArcGIS Enterprise? I'd really love to make use of this feature.

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

HeatherMcCracken — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:31:48 GMT

Hi @katemcc918

The ability to create a new map from a template was introduced with Enterprise 11.5 (Enterprise 11.5 help). Enterprise 12.0 further built on this aspect - by enabling you to create your own map templates from existing maps to streamline future projects. (Enterprise 12 help).

It's a great feature! Hope it provides some great efficiencies for you. We are always interested to hear about your experiences and feedback.

Best,

Heather

Re: Create templates from configured Field Maps forms

katemcc918 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:44:26 GMT

Awesome, thanks! I think my organization might be a little behind on their Enterprise version so I'll definitely keep an eye out for this feature when they next update.