How can I create a Field Map application to track multiple visits to a single location without creating multiple point features? I want to associate multiple records with a single point feature. What are the best approaches to achieve this, given Field Maps' limitations in relation to related tables?
The most common approach is to integrate with Survey123:
This gives you field access to the sites and a one way add related records. Some consideration in using hosted feature layer views to control editing access.
I always have user make multiple point features for each inspection. Then we can make sure they were at the correct spot! People can say they were at Location 35 but were really at 36. Having spatial data is always a good idea. Plus filtering data later its always easier if each visit has a location.
Create a related table in Pro and then upload it to AGOL and FM. New entries are added to the related table, and all are associated with one original point. We routinely use this approach to record repeat visits to the same locations. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Fo9tP9qkm8k for easy instructions about creating a related table in Pro.
That's a great tutorial on adding relates to AGOL, but Field Maps still doesn't support using relates directly. You can indirectly reference related data in FM, but you can't create questions for your crews to answer about those related locations.
We routinely use related tables in FM. The key is to use FM Designer to create a form for the related table, not the base layer. In the field, our people click on the appropriate point/poly on the map - which is the base layer - and then use the link icon to access the related records and add a new entry. Works fine.