Create a hosted feature layer that is open to feedback from the public

Summary

It is sometimes necessary to enable comments on the web map to collect user feedback. This article provides a workaround to create a hosted feature layer with a field added to enable comments and keep track of user comments on the web map.

Procedure

Note:
The following steps require an ArcGIS organizational account with sufficient privileges to publish hosted feature layers.

1. Create a hosted feature layer.
   1. In ArcGIS Online, navigate to Content > My Content, and click the Create button.

2. In the drop-down menu, click Feature Layer.
3. In the Create a feature layer window, on the From Template tab, click Build a layer.

4. Click Points, and click Create.

5. In the next window, make the necessary changes or edits, and click Next.
6. Use the mouse to pan and zoom the map to the desired map extent, or manually type the coordinates in the coordinate boxes, and click Next.

7. Specify a name for Title and Tags.
8. Click Done.

2. Add a field to the hosted feature layer to enable comments.
   1. On the item details page, click the Data tab, and click Field.

2. Click the Add button.
3. In the Add Field window, specify a name for Field Name and Display Name.
4. For Type, click the drop-down menu, and select String.
5. Click Add New Field.

3. Enable the settings of the hosted feature layer to track user comments.
   1. On the item details page, click the Settings tab.

Note:
To share the feature layer with the public, under General settings, check the Public Data Collection check box, and click Save.

2. Under the Feature Layer (hosted) settings, check the Enable editing, Keep track of created and updated features, and Keep track of who created and last updated features check boxes.
3. Click Save.

4. Ensure the web map and hosted feature layer are shared with the same audience.
   1. In ArcGIS Online, navigate to Content > My Content.
   2. On the left side of the page, navigate to the folder the items are saved in, and click the folder to open it.
   3. On the list, check the check boxes to select the items.
   4. Click Share.

5. In the Share window, select either Organization or Everyone (Public).
6. Click Save.