How to Create a Field Map in ArcGIS Pro

Creating maps for field work often involves preparing them in a way that they can be used offline or online with mobile applications like ArcGIS Field Maps. While maps can be created and configured in ArcGIS Pro for use in Field Maps, the provided reference details how to create a map specifically using the ArcGIS Field Maps Designer web application. This method is focused on quickly setting up a map optimized for field collection and viewing.

Creating a Map Using ArcGIS Field Maps Designer

The following steps, based on the provided reference, outline how to create a new, empty map specifically designed for use with the ArcGIS Field Maps mobile app, using the Field Maps Designer web tool. This is a common approach for preparing maps for field crews.

Here are the steps:

1. Sign In and Open Field Maps Designer:

   • In a web browser, navigate to your organization's ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise portal.
   • Sign in with your organizational account credentials.
   • Open Field Maps Designer from the app launcher (usually a grid icon in the top corner).
   • The "Maps" page will load, showing existing maps you can configure.

2. Start a New Empty Map:

   • On the "Maps" page, locate the + New map button.
   • Click the drop-down menu next to + New map.
   • Select New empty map from the options. This starts the process of creating a map from scratch without any pre-existing layers.

3. Provide Map Details:

   • You will be directed to the "Name and save your map" page.
   • On this page, you need to provide essential information for your new map, such as:
     • A Title for your map (e.g., "Utility Inspections - North Sector", "Habitat Survey Map").
     • Tags to help others find your map within your organization (e.g., "Field Maps", "Inspection", "Survey").
     • A Summary describing the map's purpose or content.
   • You might also configure other settings depending on your organization's setup.

4. Create and Save the Map:

   • After filling in the required information, click the Save map button.
   • The application will process the information and create your new map item within your ArcGIS organization.
   • The map is now saved and ready for further configuration within Field Maps Designer, where you can add layers, configure forms, define offline areas, and set symbology tailored for field work.

Preparing Maps for Field Work

While the reference focuses on using Field Maps Designer, it's important to understand the ecosystem:

• ArcGIS Pro: A powerful desktop GIS application used to create, edit, analyze, and publish geographic data and maps. You can create web maps in ArcGIS Pro and publish them to your organization for use in Field Maps. This method is often preferred for complex maps with specific symbology, labeling, or geoprocessing requirements.
• ArcGIS Field Maps Designer: A web application specifically designed for configuring maps for use in the Field Maps mobile app. It provides tools to streamline the setup of forms, offline maps, and performance settings for field data collection. As the reference shows, you can also create a simple base map here to start configuring.
• ArcGIS Field Maps (Mobile App): The mobile application used on smartphones and tablets by field crews to view maps, collect data, and perform inspections or surveys.

Creating a map in Field Maps Designer, as described in the reference, is ideal for quickly setting up a basic map to add field-ready layers or start configuring a map from scratch for specific field tasks.