Default pane when opening map viewer

[SupriyaK]

Does anyone know what the pane the map viewer opens up by default and if there is a way to change it? 

I created a map and when I re-open it the Layers pane is open by default. But, for other users the map opens with the Legend pane open by default. I didn't see any parameters in the URL that could control this. I tried clearing cache and different browsers.

I'd like the map to open with the Layers pane open by default for everyone. Anyone know if there is a trick to it? Are there URL parameters I could use?

It would be nice for sharing workflows if the experiences was consistent. 

[ChristopherCounsell · Accepted solution]

I believe if you are the owner, the layers list will open by default. If you are a user accessing the map, the legend will open by default. This makes a bit of sense, as we want to design a simple user experience for Web Maps. 

If you want more options such as which panes/widgets will be available and load on default, create a web mapping application e.g. ArcGIS Instant Apps.

Really I'd recommend always creating a web mapping application and never just sharing the Web Map as is. It provides additional configuration options to build a brand, purpose and user experience in line with the target audience.

[BernSzukalski]

I couldn't agree with @ChristopherCounsell more. Map Viewer is excellent for authoring, and for sharing with other GIS staff. If you want to carry your Map Viewer tradecraft forward to others, then ideally you will be using one of the Instant Apps, perhaps Basic Viewer with the essential configuration. Map Viewer is intended to be used by knowledgeable others to do more with your map, or for map owners to configure and apply tradecraft. For others in your organization (and beyond) leveraging Instant Apps or Dashboards or Experience Builder are the ideal way to present information to others, internal or public to your organization.

[SupriyaK]

Thank you for the info on the owner vs. not owner experience @ChristopherCounsell!

I totally understand about using the experience builder or instant apps to build a common experience. But, Instant Apps are too basic for our goals and Experience Builder doesn't yet have some key functionality we need (e.g. Add data widget). We are hoping to move to Experience Builder once that functionality is available.