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.

[DebapriyaPaul]

Thanks for all the great suggestions, @Katie_Clark !

From the screen capture in the previous comment, it looks like you are working with a Public account in ArcGIS Online. They are designed for personal use and offer limited-functionality (documentation). The ability to publish the uploaded file as a Hosted Feature layer is not available when using a Public account. 

[lilliamgomez]

It says I can publish hosted layers, in 2022 I use this publish account and I could use a search layer, I dont know if it has changed.

[DebapriyaPaul]

Hi @lilliamgomez , do you see an Organization tab when you sign in to your account? The Organization tab is an exclusive administrative feature for subscription-based accounts for administrators to manage users, licenses, credits, and security settings. 

Can you provide more information about where we see a mention of publishing hosted feature layers? This could help us understand the behavior. 

[lilliamgomez]

This map I created in 2022, I could add a search layer...

There is no an Organization tab...

[Katie_Clark]

Your 2022 map ("11") contains feature layers, but your new map ("MUNIC_AO") only contains KML and GeoJSON.

If you can configure your MUNIC_AO map in the same way you did your older map, you might have better luck. 

@DebapriyaPaul Can you help explain the "feature layer" vs "hosted feature layer" nuance here, and how those layers might have been published?

[lilliamgomez]

It doesnt allow me to add feature layers, just the geojson and kml, I tried with the map of 2022.

[DebapriyaPaul]

@lilliamgomez if you don't see an Organization tab, that could be an indication that it is a Public account. You can also confirm if you see the Analysis panel in Map Viewer, or have the ability to create a Dashboard. Those could help us confirm that we are looking at a Public account in ArcGIS Online, as they are specific functionalities available in an ArcGIS Online Organizational subscription. 

I am wondering if they were added to Map Viewer Classic and then saved as items? This workflow created a Feature layer in our Content. Only when the data is uploaded and published, the item type is set to Feature layer (hosted). 

[lilliamgomez]

Yes, it is a public account, but I dont know if Esri restricted this functionality of search layer in public accounts, I could do that in 2022.

[DebapriyaPaul]

@lilliamgomez , I am wondering if your ArcGIS Organizational subscription was converted to a Public account during that time period? It would be best to reach out to your Customer Service Representative to confirm that information. 

Regarding the question about configuring Search by layer for Web maps, the option is only available when the Web map consists of a Hosted feature layer, ArcGIS Server feature, or ArcGIS Server map service layers with Query enabled (doc).

You could probably test this out by adding any Hosted Feature layer to the map from ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Living Atlas. In your case, the Web map consists of KML and GeoJSON Feature layers, which are not searchable. Public accounts do not offer the functionality to publish Hosted feature layers, which is why you don't see this option under Web map settings. 

Hope this answers your question!