Experience Builder: Tips, Tricks, and Updates for GIS Web Apps

Experience Builder is a powerful tool for creating web applications with geographic information. This article compiles various tips, tricks, and updates to help you make the most of this platform. Whether you're managing data layers, optimizing performance, or staying current with the latest features, this guide provides valuable insights.

Effectively managing data layers is crucial for any Experience Builder project. One common issue is controlling editing and deleting permissions. If you own the data layer or are an administrator, you might still be able to edit or delete data even when these options are turned off for other users. This is a quirk of the ESRI ecosystem. To opt out of this behavior in Developer Edition, set `esriConfig.userPrivilegesApplied` to `false`. For ArcGIS Online users, a new feature allows you to turn off data exporting for all layers at once, saving significant time. This can be found under the Data Button -> Export Settings -> Layers.

Grouping data into logical categories enhances the user experience. The February 2025 ArcGIS Online update aimed to improve this, but initial attempts to use the Map Layers Widget with an Accordion Widget revealed limitations. The 'Turn On All Layers' function didn't respect the customized layers within the Map Layers Widget, leading to unintended results. However, ESRI is addressing this issue, promising a fix in a future update to restrict the on/off function to customized layers.

The ESRI Developer and Technology Summit in Palm Springs provided numerous insights. Key Experience Builder takeaways include improvements to the Clear Map Highlighting Button and native support for thematic groups in the Turn On/Off All Layers Buttons. Windows can be reused throughout an application, and designing based on multiples of 16px is recommended for best results. General web development notes emphasized planning, user testing, and considering accessibility, especially for mobile devices.

Several general web development practices were highlighted at DevSummit. User testing is crucial, and even a few test users can uncover most usability issues. Focus on the severity of problems rather than frequency, and ensure servers can handle sudden spikes in user traffic. For mobile designs, avoid placing lists next to maps; instead, use a two-page layout. Prioritize accessibility, and if ESRI Webmaps fail accessibility testing, convey the same information through alternative means like lists.

The February 2025 ArcGIS Online update brought several enhancements to Experience Builder. Action updates include new options for Select and Show Pop-up. The builder now allows duplicating pages, views, sections, and windows with all widget settings intact. Data source updates include the ability to switch views without losing work and support for dynamic imagery without fields. Export options have been significantly improved, allowing you to choose allowed formats and turn exports on/off for all layers at once. The Layer Selector Component offers powerful options to manage layers, such as expanding/collapsing layer groups and turning layers on/off simultaneously.

Accessibility is a critical aspect of web mapping. ESRI Webmaps may not always pass accessibility testing, so it's important to provide alternative ways to convey information, such as using lists. Ensure that keyboard focus colors are distinct from primary app colors for better usability. Tools like Adobe Color can help create accessible color themes.

By implementing these tips, tricks, and updates, you can significantly enhance your Experience Builder projects. From effectively managing data layers and groups to staying current with the latest features and prioritizing accessibility, a well-optimized Experience Builder application provides a seamless and informative user experience. Keep experimenting and leveraging the power of Experience Builder to create compelling web applications.