I would like to create a master template that I can copy to create a new a map and layers but with the same form elements.
Having a template would allow me to create new collection features for a new location, using the same template, so that each location would have its own separate feature classes based with the template form elements.
The only ideas I have for collection at the moment is to recreate the forms for each site (time consuming) or use one feature class for all sites (too much data).
How can I maintain form elements in a feature class using smart forms, whilst not having to recreate the form every time for the collection of data at a new site?
For example:
I set up a form for collecting the types of plant at a location, allowing the user to collect plant type, size, etc.
I would like to repeat the elements, plant type, size, etc without having to manually recreate the form.
I would copy the original form, creating a separate feature class for the new site that maintains the smart form elements.
I would recommend using one feature layer for all sites. Using layer views can help manage the data in manageable slices.
I have one data collection layer I have been using for 1,000s of sites and have over 100,000 records. No particular issues with managing the data - i simply filter by project id or create views for particularly large projects. See Create hosted feature layer views—ArcGIS Online Help | Documentation
Alternatively, I have used the FormCollection | ArcGIS API for Python to copy form definitions between layers.
Is there a limit on the number of views you have from one hosted feature layer in AGOL ? I thought it used to be 10. Happy to be corrected.