Field Maps - apply form template to new layers

[TanithLives]

Hi all
I've seen this issue skirted around, but not found an exact answer to what I think is a simple question.

Is there a workable template function for layers in Field Maps?

In Field Maps (FM) my workflow is currently to create a new FM based upon a new set of Feature Layers which I have uploaded to AGOL and styled in the Web Map. The Feature Layer dataset is always the same, representing points, lines and polygons with specific fields that we need recorded in the field. 

Ideally, I just want to be able to open a FM that has been duplicated off a template FM, add my new Feature Layers to it and, for each newly imported layer, replicate the form setup that exists for the example layers that exist within the FM template. Once this is done I just remove the layers acting as templates, leaving the new layers in place ready for the job.

At the moment I have to go through each of the three layers and create the forms - and attendant Calculated Expressions - from scratch. This seems pretty silly when I have the 'template' layers right there with the attendant expressions and naming which I require.

To add:

- I cannot keep using the same Field Map and refer to the same Feature Layer. We need to create a new Feature Layer for each new job

- I can see that there is a 'Templates' tab for each layer, which one would think would allow you to apply a form setup from one layer to another. It's a baffling process that I have found no explanation for - have I just missed the obvious?

- the Feature Layers always have the exact same field names, so Calculated Expressions etc always work with the same code

Cheers

Richard

[AndreasHall]

Could this workflow work for you? 

1. In Field Maps Designer, save the form to the layer.
   
2. In Contents, create the new Feature Layer from the layer that you saved your form to.

When I tried it, it seemed like the form settings was available for the new layer.

[TanithLives]

G'day Andreas. Thanks for the reply. In great excitement I tested this, using the template as the basis for a new layer through Contents. However, upon adding the layer into my Field Maps I am confronted with the eternally frustrating message of 'Start configuring a form for the layer'. My workflow was: in Contents add a new Feature Layer item using an existing Feature Layer from my desired Field Maps template > in Field Maps add it as a new layer > sigh in disappointment when it didn't work. 

I don't know if you followed a different workflow as you said you could see the desired form setup?

[AndreasHall]

Well, I did not check very thoroughly. I saw some domains were kept and thought it would be an improvement to your current workflow. My form was not very complex either.

[RichardHowe]

We had a similar issue. To solve this I have made use of the clone items  functionality in ArcGIS API for python.

It is actually designed for cloning from one portal to another, but it also allows you to have the input and output portals set the same.

Our process is to design webmaps with layers configured exactly as we want as "templates". Then run the clone against them and rename (it creates copies of both the layers and webmap set up in exactly the same way) - just ensure that the "search_existing_items" parameter is set to False or it will simply create a new map, but pointed at the original feature layers

[TanithLives]

G'day Richard. Thanks for this! Unfortunately, I'm really after an out-of-the-box solution. It's not a principled stand, just that I don't have the time nor energy to get into coding. Basic expressions are my limit at the moment. One day I might 'get good', but that day is not today. 

[MarkBockenhauer]

@TanithLives   

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. 

You just need to save the properties you want with the layer.

[TanithLives]

G'day @MarkBockenhauer . Thanks for the heads-up. Seems like a very helpful addition! Can I just get clarification on a one point:

• in Field Maps, when you select 'Create a new map' and go 'Start with a map template' there are three templates. Is there any way to create your own templates to add to the three out-of-the-box options? I am probably missing the option where I can do this, as this seems the ideal solution for creating and working with your own templates

Cheers

[MarkBockenhauer]

@TanithLives  No, I don't think there is a way to create custom templates at this time.   However, in Field Maps Designer you can create a new map and "Start with no layers."   Then in designer just add the layer created as described in my previous post.  You will see the forms load in from the layer once it is added.   With the underlying functionality for creating new layers from existing layers and retaining all layer properties in place, it seems there are opportunities to enhance the template experience. @SarahSaint-Ruth  

[TanithLives]

G'day @MarkBockenhauer . Thanks for the reply. Yeah, that's the way I have gone: bringing in the newly-created feature layers to Field Maps. The template functionality does save time as regards creating symbology and bringing across calculated expressions.

Having said that, having the ability to create your own template that appears in Field Maps Designer would improve the workflow. Currently the three templates, while a neat example of what can be done, are pretty irrelevant to what I do - and I presume this would apply to a lot of other users.