Perform branch version editing using ArcGIS Web Editor

Summary

Branch versioning in ArcGIS is a service-oriented data-editing model that lets multiple users concurrently perform long-term transactions and manage updates on web feature layers. Edits and version creation occur entirely through web feature services (via ArcGIS Pro or web apps) rather than through direct database connections.  

ArcGIS Web Editor  is a browser-based application by Esri that lets you create, update, and manage geographic information system (GIS) data directly inside a web browser without needing desktop software. 

ArcGIS Web Editor includes a dedicated Versioning pane where users can create, switch, and delete named versions right inside a web browser. Unlike direct editing where changes save instantly, the Web Editor lets you preview edits in a branch version, use undo/redo outside of sketches, and choose to save or discard your entire editing session before committing.

Prerequisites 

• ArcGIS Enterprise configured with branch versioning
• ArcGIS Web Editor supports branch versioning workflows; however, traditional versioning is not supported. 
• A feature class registered as branch version
• ArcGIS Pro is connected to the portal. 
• Appropriate editing permissions
• ArcGIS Advanced Editing User Type Extension and Version Management privilege (required for utility network version management)

Procedure

Open the Web Map in ArcGIS Web Editor

1. Sign in to Portal for ArcGIS and navigate to the Content tab. Open the shared Web Map.
2. Select Open in Web Editor > Create a New Version. Click Versioning from the Contents toolbar.
3. Click the current version name displayed in the header, Select New Version.
4. Enter a version Name and Description. Choose an Access level:
5. Verify or update the Owner, if required.

6. Optionally enable Switch to version to automatically switch to the newly created version.
7. Click Save.

Switch Between Versions:

The web map opens in the Default version by default. Use the Versioning pane to switch to any version you own or have access to.

1. Open the Versioning pane.
2. To switch versions, perform one of the following:
   • If the Versioning pane displays a list of versioned datasets:
   • Click the drop-down menu below the dataset name.
   • Select the desired version.

3. If the Versioning pane displays the available versions for a dataset:
   1. Use the Search bar to locate the desired version.
   2. Click Switch to version .
   3. Alternatively, click Back to return to the list of versioned datasets and select the version from the drop-down menu.

Edit Features:

Switch to the desired version and perform editing operations such as:

• Create features
• Reshape features
• Split features

Available Drawing Methods:

• Line: Creates straight-line segments between vertices.
• Right angle: Creates line segments at 90-degree angles between vertices. Press P to automatically close the shape.
• Freehand: Creates free-form geometries based on pointer movement.

• Save Edits: Completes the required edits.
• Click Save Edits to save the changes to the current named version.

Verify Changes in ArcGIS Pro

1. Open ArcGIS Pro.
2. Add the web map or branch-versioned feature layer.
3. Verify that edits made in Web Editor are visible in the named version.
4. Perform Reconcile and Post operations to merge the edits into the parent version as needed.