How to work with feature services

To start using feature services, you create the services dynamically with data management tools or scripting APIs. You can import existing datasets (files), define a new dataset, or create (publish) new services from existing services. Each dataset is stored as a feature layer, table, or feature layer view within a feature service. A hosted feature layer (item) is also created for the corresponding service so you can manage and configure the dataset and service settings. To access the service from applications and APIs, you can use the URL and ID assigned by the system. If you are using an ArcGIS Maps SDK, you can also access the service using the hosted layer's item ID.

The steps to create and use a feature service are:

  1. Create a feature layer, feature layer view, or table by importing data.
  2. Manage the hosted feature layer (item) and service properties. properties.
  3. Access the service to display or query features.
Data hosting
Process to create, manage, and access a hosted feature service.

Tutorials

Import data to create a feature layer

Use data management tools to import files and create a feature layer in a feature service.


Define a new feature layer

Use data management tools to define and create a new empty feature layer in a feature service.


Manage a feature layer

Use a hosted feature layer item to set the properties and settings of a feature layer in a feature service.


Create a vector tile service

Use data management tools to create a new vector tile service from a feature service.


Create a map tile service

Use ArcGIS Online or scripting APIs to publish a map tile service.


Add a vector tile layer

Access and display a vector tile layer in a map.


Add a map tile layer

Access and display a map tile layer in a map.


Query a feature layer (spatial)

Execute a spatial query to get features from a feature layer.


Edit feature data

Add, update, and delete features in a feature service.


Display a popup

Format a popup to show attributes in a feature layer.


Workflows

Services

API support

Use data management tools or Client APIs to create, manage, and access data services. The table below outlines the level of support for each API.

CreateManageAccess
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Kotlin1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Java1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Qt1
ArcGIS API for Python
ArcGIS REST JS
Esri Leaflet2
MapLibre GL JS23
OpenLayers23
Full supportPartial supportNo support
  • 1. Use portal class and direct REST API requests
  • 2. Access via ArcGIS REST JS
  • 3. Requires manually setting styles for renderers

Tools

Your browser is no longer supported. Please upgrade your browser for the best experience. See our browser deprecation post for more details.