Search layer

[lilliamgomez]

I want to create a map which I can search through a specific layer I have, but when I want to add the layer it doesnt display and I can configure it. In 2022 I create a map which I could do that and I opened it in 2025 and it still works. Thanks for your answers.

[CodyPatterson]

Hey @lilliamgomez 

When you say search through the layer, do you mean using the Map Viewer search function, or through the table itself? If it's the table itself, it's easiest to use a feature layer, if you're wanting to search through Map Viewer, I would make sure that the settings on the map itself are setup to let you query the fields.

Cody

[lilliamgomez]

I have a layer I add to the map through the Map Viewer, I am creating an application with this map, in this application I want to add the layer so I can set this to be the search for my published map like the origin, but when I set the origin the layer doesn’t appear, I just can add the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service. 

I am using a public account.

[DebapriyaPaul]

Hi @lilliamgomez, to enable searching by layer in a Web map in Map Viewer or any application consuming the map, we would need to first configure Search by Layer under the Web map settings. We can find this configuration on the item details page of the Web Map (as shown in the image below). 

Once configured and saved, the Web map will list the Layer name in the Search drop-down menu. 

Configure feature and table search for maps: https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/create-maps/configure-feature-search.htm 

Do we already have this configured for the Web map you are opening in Map Viewer? 

Also, Search by layer in a Web map can be configured on Hosted feature layers and ArcGIS Server feature and map service layers with Query enabled. As you are working with a Public account, what type of layer are you adding to the Web map? 

[lilliamgomez]

I cannot find the option Enable Search. The image below displays what I see.

[Katie_Clark]

@lilliamgomez  If you aren't seeing the option to Enable Search in the web map settings, it is likely that the web map does not contain any layers that are searchable. 

As @DebapriyaPaul already pointed out, enabling Search by Layer can only be done for Hosted feature layers and ArcGIS Server feature and map service layers with Query enabled. Can you please confirm if this setting is enabled on the layer you want to search by in your web map? If the layer is public, could you share here?

[lilliamgomez]

I cannot find where this setting enabled is. This is the screenshot of the web map and the layer I want to use...

[Katie_Clark]

Ah, yes that's just a GeoJSON layer. You will need to add it as a hosted feature layer. Select this option when you add "New Item" from your Content page and select the geojson file:

Once that hosted feature layer is in your web map, you should see the Enable Search option and you can select that layer from the dropdown.

[lilliamgomez]

When I want to add an item, the option you presented doesnt appear in my window...

[Katie_Clark]

What is your role and user type in your organization? Looks like you don't have the permissions to create hosted feature layers.