Field Types in ArcGIS Online, Best Practices and Compatibility

ArcGIS Online is a powerful platform that enables usage of a wide range of field types. However, not all field types (data types) are compatible with every application within the ArcGIS ecosystem. This article identifies which field types to avoid, best practices for field type selection, and the alternatives to ensure smooth functionality across various applications.

Incompatible Field Types

Certain field types in ArcGIS Online may not be fully supported across all applications, leading to potential issues. Here are some key field types to be cautious about. Note that these field types were made compatible with ArcGIS Pro at version 3.2: Problem: Features Are Not Displayed in ArcGIS Field Maps (esri.com) 

• Big Integer
• Date Only
• Time Only
• Timestamp with Time Zone

Best Practices for Field Type Selection

To ensure compatibility and functionality across various ArcGIS applications, follow these best practices:

• Use Standard Field Types: Stick to commonly supported field types such as text, integer, float, and date-time. These are widely supported across all ArcGIS applications.
• Avoid Complex Field Types: Field types like Big Integer, Date Only, and Time Only should be generally avoided. If used, ensure that the target applications support these field types.
• Test Compatibility: Before deploying your data, test it in all intended applications to ensure compatibility. This can help identify any issues early on.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on updates from Esri regarding field type support. New versions of ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online may introduce support for previously incompatible field types.

Alternatives to Avoided Field Types

When you need to avoid certain field types, consider these alternatives:

• Big Integer: Use standard integer or float fields instead. These are more universally supported.
• Date Only: Use the standard date-time field and format the display to show only the date if needed.
• Time Only: Similar to Date Only, use the date-time field and format it to display only the time.
• Timestamp with Time Zone: Use the standard date-time field and handle time zone conversions within your application logic.

Future Considerations

The Date Only field type, introduced in ArcGIS Pro 3.2, is under consideration for future compatibility enhancements. There are existing enhancement requests for ArcGIS Dashboard to support this field type. Staying informed about these updates will help you make better decisions regarding field type usage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right field types in ArcGIS Online is crucial for ensuring compatibility and functionality across various applications. By following best practices and avoiding complex field types, you can create more robust and reliable GIS data. Always test your data in all intended applications and stay updated with the latest from Esri to make the most of your GIS projects.