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How to create Hosted Feature Layer Duplicates/Copies

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2 weeks ago
fjramos
Frequent Contributor

Good morning,

I have a set of hosted feature layers on multiple maps, each for specific purposes. We've been collecting and storing all our points within those maps. Years ago when we first started using AGOL for field collection, we thought having everything in bulk would be an issue, but on the contrary it's actually been beneficial since we can now see whether or not the area of interest has already been collected or not. Another concern was, the web map getting too cluttered with points that it may affect performance. I can't confirm whether or not it's now starting to affect performance, since I have seen some small discrepancies of the layers taking a little time too load when scrolling through the map. I've customized the view scale to help ease this potential issue, but I may or may not still notice small discrepancies that may or may not be related to the bulk of data building up over time. My inital idea for maintaining our data was, collect on an annual basis then start with a fresh set of hosted feature layers. Few years later I've yet to do that and are still using the original feature layers we started with, that have worked very well, but are now building up. I went through the options of creating a "copy" of the feature layers, but couldn't find anything under Content tab other that within the Map View under the "duplicate" option. I wanted to create a copy of the feature layers and now that we can select multiple points in the map viewer, select everything, delete, then save it as a "default" clean version of my feature layers. Then make a copy of that clean "default" annually and store our data that way, that's the idea atleast. Now to my question, is creating the copy through the Map Viewer "duplicate" option the only way of making copies of feature layers in AGOL? Thanks 

1 Solution

Accepted Solutions
EmilyGeo
Esri Regular Contributor

Hi @fjramos 

Just jumping in with some clarifications. Regarding Duplicate, Save as, or Views: each of those still refers to the same layer. None of those create a new layer. 

There is a way to create a new layer that has the same configurations (styles, pop-ups, forms) as your existing layer. To do that, you can follow the steps outlined in this post: https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-online-questions/symbology-forms-not-maintaining-when-creating-...

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4 Replies
IssyAmis
Esri Contributor

Hi @fjramos 

Sounds like you either want to create views of your hosted feature layers:Create hosted feature layer views—ArcGIS Online Help | Documentation

Or, to duplicate your data but still have it associated with the main hosted feature layer, you can head over to the visualisation tab for your hosted feature layer, and use the "Save as" button in the top left corner.

Alternatively, if you don't want the layer to be associated with the original hosted feature layer, you can go to "New item" and use your hosted feature layer as a template.

Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any of these options - or if this is not quite what you are looking for.

Thanks,

Issy

MobiusSnake
MVP Regular Contributor

If I understand your requirements correctly, you could do something like this:

  • Use the Export function from the Item page to create a File GDB backup of the current data
  • Download this File GDB and store it somewhere like a cloud drive.  I'd recommend unzipping it and opening it in Pro to ensure the export process was successful.  (I've seen exports create corrupt FGDBs for very large datasets.)
  • Publish the File GDB item in AGOL as a new hosted feature layer, something like "My Data 2025".  This should have all of your current data in it, you should verify that before going any further.  Disable editing on the layer so none of your users can make any edits, it'll be a historical snapshot at this point.
  • In your main layer, delete everything, then begin collecting new data.
  • A year from now, repeat the process, but publishing it as "My Data 2026".

Regardless of your approach , I'd recommend doing a File GDB export to back up all your data before you make any changes.

EmilyGeo
Esri Regular Contributor

Hi @fjramos 

Just jumping in with some clarifications. Regarding Duplicate, Save as, or Views: each of those still refers to the same layer. None of those create a new layer. 

There is a way to create a new layer that has the same configurations (styles, pop-ups, forms) as your existing layer. To do that, you can follow the steps outlined in this post: https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-online-questions/symbology-forms-not-maintaining-when-creating-...

fjramos
Frequent Contributor

Thank you Emily, this is exactly what I was looking for! Seems like they had the same idea of having a "template", this will work great for my operations! Also thank you to everyone else for the help, I'll also look into those options as well. Have a great week!