I have a very similar question- Can maps/layers created in ArcGIS desktop be opened in the online Version? I uploaded one of my ArcGIS desktop layers online. It was successfully uploaded but I see only one option to open it 'Open with ArcGIS desktop'. Can't I open it with online map viewer? Or is this too great a Task for the fragile online platform? lol
Hi Salaman,
ArcGIS Online can be used for content management as well as building web enabled maps. In order to use layers that are in ArcGIS Desktop in the map viewer, you will need to ensure that they are a content type that can be added to a web map. Here is some documentation about the layer types that you can add to a map.
It sounds like you may have uploaded a layer file or layer package, which can be stored in ArcGIS Online, but can't be used in the map viewer. Items that can be stored in ArcGIS Online are listed in this documentation.
Depending on the version of ArcMap that you are using, and type of online account (require 10.1 or above and a subscription or trial account), an easy way to publish your layers from ArcMap to ArcGIS Online is to publish a feature service. Please see the following documentation for steps to publish a features, including feature services.
Cheers,
Kelly