How to manage Feature data layer storage in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Online is a shared resource with a finite amount of feature data layer storage.  Since it is a shared resource, it's everyone's responsibility to keep the total amount of feature data storage under our campus' limit of 500 GB.  We have about 1500 active users at any given time, which means everyone should use no more than 500 MB of feature data layer storage to keep us safely under the 500 GB limit.  You can do your part to reduce feature data layer storage in ArcGIS Online by optimizing data and managing settings as follows:

1. Data Optimization:

• Reduce Feature Complexity:  Simplify the geometry of features by reducing the number of vertices, particularly for features that do not require high precision at all scales.

• Remove Unnecessary Fields:  Delete fields from your feature layers that are not actively used or required for analysis and display.

• Remove Unnecessary Features:  Delete features that are no longer relevant or required within your hosted feature layers.

• Manage Attachments:  Attachments, stored as files, contribute to file storage. Review and remove any unnecessary attachments.

2. Hosted Feature Layer Settings Management:

• Disable Sync:  If offline use or collaboration requiring synchronization is not needed, disable the "Enable Sync" option in the hosted feature layer settings. This prevents the creation and growth of a change log, which stores information about data changes and offline versions.

• Manage Change Log:  If sync is enabled, regularly trim the change log to remove older log entries that are no longer necessary. This can be done in the hosted feature layer settings under "Manage change log."

• Turn Off Editing:  If editing is not required for a specific layer, disable the editing capabilities in the hosted feature layer settings.

• Optimize Layer for Drawing:  Ensure drawing optimization settings are configured appropriately for the intended use of the layer to avoid storing unnecessary display information.

3. Alternative Storage Strategies:

• Utilize Hosted Feature Layer Views:  Instead of sharing the original hosted feature layer directly, create and share hosted feature layer views. This allows for customized views of the data without duplicating the underlying storage.
• External Data Stores (for advanced users):  For organizations with significant data storage needs and specific infrastructure, consider using external data stores with ArcGIS Enterprise or leveraging services like WFS from a separate server (e.g., GeoServer) to host data and consume it in ArcGIS Online. This shifts the storage burden away from ArcGIS Online.