idea Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using in ArcGIS Online Ideas

Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

leahmaps — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:37:32 GMT

I am trying to clean up items in my AGOL, but it is super hard as I can not tell *exactly* which maps/layers are being consumed and which are not. When you go into a web map, you can see what layers and base maps are being used (pic below) and go to the feature classes there.

I would really like to see this implemented on other things.

For example, if I have a feature layer I would like to be able to view the item details page (the usage tab could be a great place for this!) and see which web maps are consuming it.
An example may be: PointLayer (lets say this is trees). If I go to the usage tab, I can see that this tree layer is being consumed by Map A, Map B and Map C.

This way, you could quickly tell which layers/maps are not being consumed by anything else, especially if they were made in the short term.

I feel like this could also go for web apps, as the 'usage' tab could bring you back to the web map, which brings you back to the layers being referenced.

I know some of this may be able to be avoided with better organization. However, I often find myself remaking layers for different purposes (i.e. a boundary with a fade, a boundary without a fade). Later, if I want to replace those, it is super time consuming to click through EVERY map/app just to figure out what all needs replacing.

Thanks 😊

Re: Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

Laura — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:10:57 GMT

There are a lot of ideas relating to the same thing. I agree that it would be amazing if we could have this list. I would look at older ideas and up vote those.

From 2022: https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-online-ideas/a-way-to-track-all-the-maps-a-layer-is-used-in/idi-p/1200757

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-online-ideas/see-where-a-layer-is-being-used-in-the-item/idi-p/1235090

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-online-ideas/see-relationships-of-layers-maps-and-apps-at-a/idi-p/1210484

Re: Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

JonathanMcD — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 01:11:32 GMT

Add your kudos to this - On the item page, list where that item is being us... - Esri Community

Re: Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

CMV_Erik — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:24:33 GMT

I think this might already be coming. In the ArcGIS Online Roadmap at this year's UC, there were slides on Dependencies and Item Usage, and a general framework to make it easier to find out how items are related to each other seems to be in progress. I'm currently using Python to crawl through everything as a workaround, and what they showed look MUCH easier.

Re: Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

Laura — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 20:39:46 GMT

@CMV_Erik did you happen to take a picture of the roadmap at UC?

Re: Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

AnnMcmillan — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 04:16:24 GMT

I came here to say this, so in full support, I will just paste the text I wrote about it:

Each item in ESRI online storage needs a family tree--a graphic that shows what other items it is linked to. It took me quite a while to figure out where the problem in the permissions was located for a two layers, embedded in a web map, which was embedded in an instant app that is embedded in a StoryMap. A graphical phylogeny would solve that problem.

It does not even need to be graphical--that might be overdesign and take too much processing power or programming time. It could just be a list of linked items, with sharing permissions choices enabled right inside the list. If the person trying to change the permissions of an item is not the owner, then the list should provide a canned email to send to the person who can change the permissions.

Web maps are the children of layers, and instant apps, StoryMaps, and dashboards are the children of web maps--all of them have cousins, i.e. attempts that did not work out. My drive looks like a gigantic family reunion. It gets complicated quickly. I am new to GIS, so this problem may be the result of my beginner status.

Re: Idea: Add what layers/maps apps are using

Laura_B — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:20:11 GMT

Hey @leahmaps et al! We understand how challenging that has been, not having visibility of where your item is being used. We hope that the latest update of ArcGIS Online provides more insight into these details. For the supported items, you can view the "Items used" tab and additional details of your item's usage via the "Used by" tab. Read more in this blog.

Hope this helps!