Understanding Templates in QuickCapture: Solution-Based vs. Project-Based
Solution-Based Templates
Solution-based templates are pre-configured, industry-specific templates created by Esri. These templates come with several components, including a QuickCapture project, layers, views, web maps, and dashboards. When you deploy a project from one of these templates, all associated items are automatically linked together. This makes it easy to capture data and then view the results in the connected web map or dashboard.
How to Use a Solution-Based Template:
1. In the QuickCapture Web Designer, choose Create a New Project.
2. Select the option Start from template.
3. Browse through the available templates. Clicking on any template will display more details before you proceed with deployment.
Deployment Process:
- Once you deploy a solution-based template, a new directory will be created in your content. This directory will include all the related items (QuickCapture project, layers, web maps, and dashboards).
- The directory name will be based on the original template (e.g., `TemplateName`)
- If you deploy the same template multiple times, the folder name will be incremented (e.g., `TemplateName_2`, `TemplateName_3`, etc.).
- On completion, you can open the deployed project in the QuickCapture web designer, edit it, and share it with mobile users (ready for capturing data in the field).
Solution-based templates are a great starting point. You can either use them as-is or modify them to fit your specific needs. However, note that you cannot create your own solution-based templates, but you can create Project-based templates.
Project-Based Templates
Project-based templates are hosted within organization and are created and shared by you (not Esri). These templates include the project, views and layers, but unlike solution-based templates, they do not include web maps or dashboards.
How to Create a Project-Based Template:
1. In the QuickCapture Web designer create a project using the Create a New Project option using either:
- Start with feature layers.
- Start with an existing template.
2. Alternatively, use the Save As function to create a copy of an existing project. (Note: Save As works for layers you own or layers that have been shared with you.)
3. Once you’ve created the desired project, organize your project and layers:
- Create a group in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise (e.g., "QuickCapture Templates").
- Share your project and layers with this group.
- Ensure the project and layers are shared with your organization so everyone has access to them.
Sharing Templates with Your Organization:
- As an Administrator, log in to the QuickCapture Web Designer.
- Go to Organization Settings and under the Templates section, select the group you created from the drop-down list.
- You can choose to uncheck the option to include Esri templates, so only your organization’s custom templates are available.
Deployment Process:
- When users create a project from a template, they will be able to select any of the projects shared with the group.
- Upon deployment, the project and layers (and views, if applicable) will be created as new items in the user’s content.
Key Takeaways
- Solution-based templates are pre-configured, industry-themed templates created by Esri that include the full set of related items (project, layers, web maps, dashboards, story maps). These are great for quick deployment, and while you can’t create them yourself, you can customize them to suit your needs.
- Project-based templates are custom templates created from your own QuickCapture projects. You can share them with your organization, and allow other users to deploy and reuse them as needed.
Both types of templates streamline the process of creating new QuickCapture projects, allowing you to either use existing templates or create your own reusable templates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just getting started or looking to create a repeatable process for your organization, templates in QuickCapture can significantly reduce the time it takes to deploy new data collection projects. Use the templates that best fit your needs and streamline your workflows today!