Configurable background layers
Background layers are now described in the map’s own configuration, so an administrator can add others alongside them. They used to be a fixed pair. Esri World Imagery and Esri World Basemap are both available, each keeping its provider’s attribution.
Every map still starts with a standard street map and aerial imagery, and those two stay put. The picker in the bottom-right corner offers a remove control on any that were added and not on the original pair.
A share link always includes the background layers, along with the map’s name and its data source, so a shared map opens with something behind the data whatever else the sender unticked.
How to try it
- Open the Background layers card while creating or configuring a map.
- Add a background alongside the standard pair.
- Share the map and open the link: the background layers are there.
Connecting a data source in the Administrator Guide covers this in full.