Getting Started with ArcGIS Field Maps
Before You Begin
To ensure a smooth setup and use of ArcGIS Field Maps, complete these initial steps:
- Ensure your device meets the necessary requirements for the Field Maps app. If you need a new device, follow the City of Bellevue's procurement process to ensure compatibility. For assistance with device compatibility or purchasing, contact ITSupport.
- Install the Field Maps app by following the instructions in the article How to Access and Log Into ArcGIS Field Maps. This guide provides step-by-step details on downloading and gaining access to the app.
First-Time Setup
Adjust your Field Maps profile settings for optimal data collection:
- Accuracy: Set your required location accuracy; the default is typically 30 feet.
- GPS Averaging: Enable this to calculate a more precise location by averaging multiple GPS readings.
- Streaming: Activate streaming to continuously capture data as you move, with intervals based on time or distance.
- Snapping: Use this to accurately capture data based on the location of existing assets.
Adjust your Field Maps general profile settings:
- Units: Display the units mobile workers expect to see for coordinates, lengths, and areas. Default is US Standard.
- Directions: Get directions in your preferred navigation app (Apple Maps or Google Maps). Default is “Always ask”.
- Auto-Sync: Default is on Cellular Data and is needed for all data collection. You will experience issues if you are connected to Bellevue Connect while accessing maps or editing data in Field Maps. contact ITSupport to obtain a Verizon account if you don’t already have an account on your work device.
- Turn Sync and Update option on
- Turn Downloads option on
Adjust your Field Maps provider profile settings:
If your project requires, this is where you’ll set up to use a high-accuracy receiver, specifying a location provider and, optionally, a location profile to perform datum transformations. If a high-accuracy external GPS unit is needed, contact ITSupport.for assistance with the procurement process.
Using the Field Maps App
Collecting Data:
- Select Your Map: Open the Field Maps app and select the map you wish to use for data collection.
- Locate the Area: Find the location where you want to collect data either by panning to it manually on the map or using the Search Tool to search for a specific address. If you are physically at the location you wish to collect data, you can use the Location Tool on the menu at the top of the screen to automatically zoom to your location.
- Collect New Feature: Tap on the 'Collect New Tool' icon.
- If the map allows the addition of only one type of feature, the form to fill out will display immediately.
- If multiple types of features can be added, a panel will prompt you to select the type of feature to collect.
- Fill Out the Form: Enter the necessary information for the feature you are collecting.
- Submit or Cancel: Once you have entered all the required details, tap 'Submit' in the upper-right corner to save the feature. If you wish to discard what you have collected, tap 'Cancel' in the upper-left corner, and you will be prompted to confirm if you want to discard the collected data.
Editing Data:
- Select the Feature: From the Maps page within the Field Maps app, select the feature you wish to edit.
- Initiate Editing: Tap the icon in the top-right corner of the attribute list and choose 'Edit'.
- Edit Attributes: Tap each attribute in the attribute list that you wish to modify.
- Save or Discard Changes: Once you are satisfied with the edits, tap 'Submit' located in the upper-right corner of the menu to save your changes. If you do not wish to save your edits, tap 'Cancel' located in the upper-left corner of the menu, and you will be prompted if you would like to discard the changes.
Working Offline in the Field
Before you leave the office, you need to download the map, select the area you will be working in and check on any data you will need to see. Note that not all maps were created with the intention of working offline in the field.
Adding Attachments (Photos)
if the layer allows attachments, you can upload images such as .png or .jpg files as you edit and create features. Not all data layers will allow attachments.
- Create a new feature or choose an existing feature to edit.
- If the layer allows attachments, near the top of the form there will be the option to Take Photo to take and attach a photo or to attach a photo taken previously.
- Continue editing the rest of the feature within the form. When all required information is entered tap “submit” in the top right corner.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Login Issues: If you have trouble logging in, ensure you are using the correct username and password. Detailed login help can be found in the How to Access and Log Into ArcGIS Field Maps guide.
- Map Accessibility: Only maps with editable layers and those shared within your groups are visible. If you need access to more maps, submit a service request.
- Adding Attachments: If the option to 'Add Photo' or 'Attach' is available, your layer supports attachments. If not, this feature is not available for your data layer.
- GPS Accuracy Concerns: If the GPS accuracy indicator turns red, your location's accuracy is too low for reliable data collection. For external GPS devices, check the setup in your app's settings.