PROBLEM

Large features cover smaller features in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer

Last Published: May 7, 2021

Description

In ArcGIS Online Map Viewer, large features cover smaller features, as shown in the image below.

Larger features cover smaller features in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer

Cause

Drawing order on maps is determined by the position of layers in the Layers list. Layers that are higher on this list are higher in the drawing order on the map. Layers that are lower on the list are lower in the drawing order. When layers overlap, layers higher on the list are drawn on top of layers which are lower on the list.

Note:
By design, some layer types cannot be reordered. This includes KML layers and basemaps. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Organize layers (Map Viewer Classic) for more information.

Solution or Workaround

Use one of the following methods to improve layer visibility in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer.

Change the layer drawing order in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer

In ArcGIS Online Map Viewer, click the covered layer and drag it to the top of the Layers list. For more information on reorganizing layers, refer to ArcGIS Online: Organize layers (Map Viewer).

Click and drag the to the top of the list to change the drawing order

The smaller feature is now on top of the larger feature, as shown in the image below.

Click and drag the layer to the top to change the drawing order

Change the layer drawing order in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer Classic

In the Contents pane in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer Classic, click More Options > Move up.

Click the Move up option under the layer in the layer list

Change the layer drawing order in ArcGIS Pro

  1. Open ArcGIS Pro and sign in to the ArcGIS Online account.
  2. In the Catalog pane, select Portal > My Content.
  3. Find the web map and right-click Add and Open to load it in ArcGIS Pro.
  4. Change the layer drawing order in ArcGIS Pro. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Symbol layer drawing for detailed instructions.

Change the transparency of layers that overlap smaller features in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer

Changing layer transparency is an alternative to changing layer order. This is useful in cases where layers are required to be drawn in a certain order or their order is fixed. Follow these steps to change a layer's transparency:

  1. In ArcGIS Online, find the desired layer and click Change Style.
The Change Style option located below the desired layer
  1. Under drawing style, click OPTIONS.
The options for editing the drawing style
  1. Under Transparency, drag the slider until features drawn beneath the layer are visible.
  2. Click OK.
The layer with the lower drawing order priority is visible on the map

Article ID: 000025523

Software:
  • ArcGIS Online

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