{"id":1036531,"date":"2026-03-13T02:30:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T09:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/?post_type=blog&p=1036531"},"modified":"2026-03-13T14:30:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T21:30:16","slug":"5-things-to-try-in-field-maps","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/field-maps\/field-mobility\/5-things-to-try-in-field-maps","title":{"rendered":"Try these 5 things in ArcGIS Field Maps"},"author":10102,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":""},"categories":[23261],"tags":[757121,778422,757111,781020,29571],"industry":[],"product":[36591,679821],"class_list":["post-1036531","blog","type-blog","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-field-mobility","tag-field-workflow","tag-map-templates","tag-map-viewing","tag-markup","tag-tasks","product-apps","product-field-maps"],"acf":{"short_description":"Field Maps offers various features for preparing maps in the office and working with maps in the field. Get started with these five capabilities.","flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

ArcGIS Field Maps<\/a> offers various tools to support map and workflow design and ensure that mobile workers\u00a0have everything they need when using maps in the field.\u00a0When building maps and workflows in the office, it is essential to understand how they function in the field and what that mobile experience looks like.<\/p>\n

Field Maps includes two apps: the Field Maps Designer web app and the Field Maps mobile app. In this article, follow along to learn about features and capabilities in Field Maps.<\/p>\n

We start in Field Maps Designer by creating a map template and generating a map from that template. We also cover how to configure tasks from the office.<\/p>\n

Then we head to the field for an overview of the many ways to interact with maps. Additionally, we look at working on tasks, entering data, and marking up maps with sketches and notes.<\/p>\n

These five capabilities are a glimpse of what Field Maps has to offer:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Use a map template in the office<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Set up tasks in the office<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Explore maps in the field<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Complete tasks in the field<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Mark up maps in the field<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. Use a map template in the office<\/h2>\n

    As part of the City GIS team, you need to create a map based on your park inventory map layers in response to a recent microburst. This event brought high winds and rain and caused extensive tree damage. You need field staff to collect data for municipal areas on location and extent of damage, and whether the storm impacted structures or other property.<\/p>\n

    You likely maintain maps with authoritative data layers and customized forms that are used across your organization. Save time and effort by creating templates from the maps you’ve already built.<\/p>\n

    Templates essentially copy over your map layers and include other map settings such as symbology, pop-ups, and forms. Open your existing map in Field Maps Designer and on the Overview<\/strong> tab, click Create map template<\/strong>.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2960397,"id":2960397,"title":"fm_map_templ2","filename":"fm_map_templ2.jpg","filesize":19403,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/field-maps\/field-mobility\/5-things-to-try-in-field-maps\/fm_map_templ2","alt":"Create map template button on map Overview tab.","author":"308942","description":"","caption":"Create a map template button on map Overview tab.","name":"fm_map_templ2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1036531,"date":"2026-03-13 18:22:26","modified":"2026-03-13 18:22:53","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":634,"height":207,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","medium-width":464,"medium-height":151,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","medium_large-width":634,"medium_large-height":207,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","large-width":634,"large-height":207,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","1536x1536-width":634,"1536x1536-height":207,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","2048x2048-width":634,"2048x2048-height":207,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","card_image-width":634,"card_image-height":207,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg","wide_image-width":634,"wide_image-height":207}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ2.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

    Confirm on the first tab (Check map compatibility<\/strong>) that the needed map content will carry over, such as layers, tables, and basemaps. On the second tab (Configure and share the map template<\/strong>), enter at least a title and summary, and select or create a folder for storage.<\/p>\n

    Here, you can also share the template with your organization\u2019s map template group. This can promote efficiency and ensure that staff use standardized content and workflows. Be sure to save\u2014now you have a map template. For details on creating templates from existing maps, refer to Create a map template<\/a>.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2960399,"id":2960399,"title":"fm_map_templ1","filename":"fm_map_templ1.jpg","filesize":156810,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/field-maps\/field-mobility\/5-things-to-try-in-field-maps\/fm_map_templ1","alt":"Configuring a map template from existing map.","author":"308942","description":"","caption":"Configure and save a map template from an existing map.","name":"fm_map_templ1","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1036531,"date":"2026-03-13 18:26:58","modified":"2026-03-13 18:27:20","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1719,"height":835,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg","medium-width":464,"medium-height":225,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":373,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg","large-width":1719,"large-height":835,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1-1536x746.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":746,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg","2048x2048-width":1719,"2048x2048-height":835,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1-826x401.jpg","card_image-width":826,"card_image-height":401,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg","wide_image-width":1719,"wide_image-height":835}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_map_templ1.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

    After you have configured the map template, use it to create new maps and layers<\/a>. In this scenario, you can create a Park Storm Damage map from the template you just created. For details on creating maps from existing templates, refer to Start with a map template<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    To learn how to create and\u00a0deploy a map enabled for editing,\u00a0refer to\u00a0Create a map<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Deploy your map<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    2. Set up tasks in the office<\/h2>\n

    Build the form<\/h3>\n

    Now we will build a form for mobile staff to collect tree damage data in city parks by completing tasks.<\/p>\n

    With the Park Storm Damage map open in Field Maps Designer, click the Trees<\/strong> layer, open the Tasks<\/strong> tab, and enable tasks using the default configuration. Only one layer in a map can be enabled for tasks. To learn how to create a task-enabled layer or use tasks in an existing layer, refer to Prepare tasks<\/a>.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2960402,"id":2960402,"title":"fm_tasks_enable1","filename":"fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","filesize":86622,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/field-maps\/field-mobility\/5-things-to-try-in-field-maps\/fm_tasks_enable1","alt":"Enabling tasks for a feature layer.","author":"308942","description":"","caption":"Enabling tasks for a feature layer.","name":"fm_tasks_enable1","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1036531,"date":"2026-03-13 18:32:31","modified":"2026-03-13 18:32:47","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1300,"height":473,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","medium-width":464,"medium-height":169,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":279,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","large-width":1300,"large-height":473,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","1536x1536-width":1300,"1536x1536-height":473,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","2048x2048-width":1300,"2048x2048-height":473,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1-826x301.jpg","card_image-width":826,"card_image-height":301,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg","wide_image-width":1300,"wide_image-height":473}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fm_tasks_enable1.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

    The Form<\/strong> tab now includes the following task-related Form elements: <\/strong>Task type, Assignee, Status, Priority, Due date, Description, and Notes. The first three are required fields that control how to-do lists appear in the mobile app.<\/p>\n

    With task elements, you can define the information captured when a new feature (task) is created. Customize the form using drag-and-drop elements. If you already have a form, drag the necessary task elements to the form. When adding a new task to the map, you can enter task details based on the form.<\/p>\n

    Your team has already conducted a tree inventory using the first four elements below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Form element<\/strong><\/th>\nDisplay name<\/strong><\/th>\nField name<\/strong><\/th>\nDescription<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
    Date and time<\/strong><\/td>\nDate and time<\/td>\ndate_time<\/td>\nOptional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Text – Single line<\/strong><\/td>\nCollector name<\/td>\ncollector_name<\/td>\nOptional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Number \u2013 Integer<\/strong><\/td>\nCollector ID<\/td>\ncollector_id<\/td>\nOptional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Text – Single line<\/strong><\/td>\nTree species<\/td>\ntree_sp<\/td>\nEnter genus and species. If unknown, enter common name.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Radio buttons<\/strong><\/td>\nSeverity of damage<\/td>\nseverity_damage<\/td>\nOptional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Add a Radio buttons<\/strong> element for damage severity, clicking Create list<\/strong> to add the options below:<\/p>\n