How to create a web map that people in a group cannot change

[JohnLowry3]

We are teaching a course with Field Maps. We want each student to collect data using the same web map and hosted feature layer. Then filter their data using the Creator field to make their own web map with their data. We've set the sharing for the web map and hosted feature layer to the organization and a class group. We're finding students are able to save the class web. This results in them sometimes inadvertently saving the class web map with their own filter applied. How do we set things up so everyone edits the feature layer but everyone can't save the web, but can use Save As to create their own web map.  Thanks in advance!

[VenkataKondepati]

You can handle it cleanly in Field Maps for a class setup:

Students shouldn’t have edit access to the shared web map item itself only to the hosted feature layer.

Share the feature layer with edit privileges (to the org or class group).

Share the web map as View Only. This way, they can open it, filter by their Creator field, and use Save As to make their personal copy.

Once they create their own map copy, they can apply filters freely without overwriting the original shared map.

You can give edit rights on the layer, view-only access on the map, and instruct students to use Save As, not Save. That keeps the shared map intact while still allowing individual work.

Regards,

Venkat

[JohnLowry3]

Hi Venkat,

Thank you very much for this!

I follow everything, except one thing, I'm unsure how do I share the web map as View Only? 

Thank you!

[JohnLowry3]

Hi Venkat,

OK.  I think I understand what you mean.  So, for the web map the sharing is left at Owner.  But for the hosted feature layer, the sharing is set to the Organization and the AGOL group.   Correct?  

Many thanks!

[VenkataKondepati]

Hi John,

Yes, exactly. That’s the right setup.

Web Map → Keep sharing to Owner only so students can view it but not save changes directly.
Hosted Feature Layer → Share to the Organization and the class group so everyone can edit or collect data through Field Maps.

This ensures all students contribute to the same dataset but can’t overwrite or modify the shared map itself. They can still open the web map, apply filters, and use “Save As” to make their own version for individual analysis.

Regards,

Venkat

[JohnLowry3]

Hi Venkat.  This is super!  Thank you very much!

Best regards,
John