Configure a drop-down with an existing field in ArcGIS Field Maps forms using domains in ArcGIS Online

Summary

In ArcGIS Field Maps, utilizing choice form elements, such as the Combo box, is a great way to increase efficiency when collecting information in the field. Choice form elements allow mobile workers to capture information by selecting from a list of defined values.

Because Field Maps forms are created using layer schemas, existing fields can easily be used as form elements. However, if a field does not already have a predefined list of values, Field Maps prompts to create one when adding the field element to the form and select Combo box as the input type. In this scenario, creating the list within the form designer generates a new form-specific field and list, rather than using the existing field configuration and data.

If the goal is to provide users with selectable options from existing data and fields, creating a domain list for the desired field helps accomplish this.

Procedure

To create a domain list in ArcGIS Online, you must be the owner of the hosted feature layer, or hosted table, or have the default administrator role.

1. Open the item details page for the hosted feature layer, and click the Data tab to access the attribute table.
2. Click the Fields view on the left-hand side, and click the desired field to view the field details to add the domain to.
3. Once the field details is open, scroll down to the Domain section, and click Get started to define the domain list.

4. There are multiple options to define the values: enter values manually, use your data to fill values automatically, or import the values from a CSV file.
   • For this specific workflow, select the Find values option and use existing records to generate the list of values automatically.
5. The window should populate the unique values from the field, as well as display a count of each value.
   • These unique values become the answer choices in the Choice box, or drop-down, question.
   • Here it is possible to edit labels, reorder the list, or even add new values to the list.

6. Click Save, and you should now see the new Domain list in the details pane of the field.
7. Back in Field Maps Designer, drag the desired field element into the form. The domain list that we configured should automatically appear as the list of selectable values.   
8. Once the form is saved, it can be opened in the Field Maps mobile application to see how it appears during data collection. 
   • The form displays the Combo box question we configured, and when the field is selected, the list of choices from the domain appears as the selectable options.