Can I use styles to automatically apply symbology to layers in a new map?

[TrentonWalker]

Hi everyone,

I know the post subject doesn't make much sense on its own, so let me (...try to...) explain what I'm asking.

I've got a map set up that's pulling in data (hosted feature layers) from ArcGIS Online. These hosted feature layers are just online copies of the same feature classes I've got stored in a local file geodatabase on my hard drive.

I've got this map symbolized exactly the way I like. It looks nice, and it took a bit of work to get it looking that way, so I'd like to not repeat that process if I can help it. The problem is that I want to recreate a separate version of this map using the local data in the file geodatabase on my hard drive rather than the ArcGIS Online hosted feature layers. I've got dozens - heck, let's say hundreds - of feature layers in this map. Pointing each and every one of them to a new data source would be tedious, to put it lightly. 

In my mind, I would like to simply export a style file from my current map (the one using ArcGIS Online data sources), create a new map, drag in all the data from the local file geodatabase (which have the same feature class names as the original map), and then add/import the style file I made from the original map - and then, poof, all of my feature layers are magically symbolized in my new map exactly like they were in the original map. 

Apparently, styles don't work this way.

So what's the best approach here? How can I emulate the symbology settings from my original map in my newly created (but identical in terms of included feature layers) map? And, preferably, how can I do that with just a few clicks rather than hundreds of clicks?

If you'd like me to clarify any of my points, please let me know. It's not always easy keeping the terminology straight.

[JonM32 · Accepted solution]

@TrentonWalker I've been in this situation! Lots of clicks = a long day

Two solutions

1. Apply Symbology From Layer (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation
   • This tool will apply symbology from one layer to another and works well. The fields need to be the same between the two layers, which it sounds like they will in your case. Just pull in the layer that is not symbolized and use the AGOL copy as the one you want the target layer to look like.
2. Match Layer Symbology To A Style (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation
   • This one requires a bit more thought and effort. I've used it before but what you have to do is basically set up one layer with the symbology you want based on a field. Then you can save the symbols you make as a style and you'll need to give each symbol the same exact name as the field value they are based on. Then when you pull in a fresh layer that is unsymbolized, you can run the tool based on that field and new style file. It'll then symbolized your layer automatically.

Hope this helps!

[TrentonWalker]

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. We'll give those a try. And I guess I won't hold my breath on those magical, mind-reading style files...