What are Vector Tiles, and how to use them

[mpboyle]

I've heard about vector tiles quite a bit recently but am not sure I understand how they work, how to create them, or how to host them...so I was hoping someone could clue me in to the following questions I have below...

1) How do vector tiles differ from traditional tile caches?

2) How do you create / author vector tiles?

3) How do you update vector tiles?

4) Can vector tiles be hosted on a local ArcGIS Server?

5) Do vector tiles create a map service similar to a cached map service?

6) Are there obvious advantages / disadvantages to vector tiles over a traditional map cache?

[deleted-user-RAnWn8DDSd1P]

We have a multi-machine ArcGIS Server site hosting an array of services.  We would like some of those services to be vector tile services.  Will it ever be possible to just publish a new vector service to our own infrastructure without this seemingly arbitrary dependence on Portal?

[DanDowning]

I would also like to know the answer to this question.

[SamPalmer]

I would also like to know the answer to this question.

[ManuelPerez]

I agree with this sentiment. Is this requirement arbitrary or is there a specific feature of portal that makes a vector tile service work? Besides Portal making it findable within an organization, I don't see how portal adds any value here.

[ReginaldPierre-Jean1]

I would also like to know the answer to this question.

[ThomasEdghill]

Portal for ArcGIS is indeed required to work with vector tile layers. This is a technical requirement, as the geoinformation model which Portal for ArcGIS provides is needed for sharing and updating vector tile packages, and it also allows for the restyling capabilities these services provide.

Over in the Support Services Blog is a post which speaks to the system requirements needed to implement vector tiles - Regarding Vector Tile Layers and ArcGIS for Server.

I hope that is helps to clarify some of the questions here.

[JadeFreeman]

Does Portal have to be federated with ArcGIS Server?  Licensing prevents this from being a feasible option for us.

[CrystalGoodison]

I would also like to know the answer!

[CraigCarpenter4]

Has anyone been able to get legend support in maps / apps for Vector Tile Layers? I suspect it isnt supported as yet but I just wanted to confirm.

[DougBrowning]

Has anyone else had the issue where now it will not let you delete the vtpk package once it is published?  I used to be able to but now it says I can not since there is a dependent layer.  Even the help says you can "however once published you can delete the tile package item to further minimize credit consumption."  Seems like a bug?