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Tackle Your To-Do List with ArcGIS Field Maps

  • Writer: Megan Ouderkirk
    Megan Ouderkirk
  • 14 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Managing fieldwork can mean juggling spreadsheets, emails, and phone calls just to keep track of what needs to be done. Fortunately, Esri has added task capabilities to ArcGIS Field Maps, providing a simple way to create, assign, and manage fieldwork directly within your ArcGIS environment.


The best part? ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise users require no additional software or cost to implement tasks, making them a quick win for teams that want a more organized workflow.


Tasks in Field Maps provide:

  • A focused to-do list for field crews

  • The ability to assign work to specific staff

  • Push notifications when new work is assigned

  • A simple interface for tracking work status



Tasks can be a powerful tool for organizations that need a lightweight task management system tied directly to their GIS data.



Workforce is Retiring - Tasks are the Replacement


If you previously used ArcGIS Workforce, it is important to start planning a transition.


Workforce is scheduled to retire in Q3 2026 for ArcGIS Online and in ArcGIS Enterprise version 12.2. The functionality it provided is now being replaced by Field Maps in task capability.


Tasks are already supported in:

  • ArcGIS Enterprise 11.5 and newer

  • ArcGIS Online (since October 2025)


If you relied on Workforce to manage field assignments, now is a good time to explore how tasks can support those same workflows.



Demo: Managing Pothole Repairs


One of the simplest ways to use tasks is for routine maintenance requests


In this example, we created a pothole layer and enabled tasks so that field staff can easily see their to-do list. Staff can click a point on the map to learn more, then click Start to begin working. Once the repair is completed, the crew can add notes and a photo, then simply click Finish.


This workflow is ideal for organizations that want a simple way to track maintenance work without implementing a complex work order system. The Manager Instant App complements Field Maps by providing a quick way to monitor task status and assign new tasks.
This workflow is ideal for organizations that want a simple way to track maintenance work without implementing a complex work order system. The Manager Instant App complements Field Maps by providing a quick way to monitor task status and assign new tasks.

Using Tasks with Related Records


Tasks can also be configured in feature layers with related records to support more detailed field workflows. For example, a task can direct a field worker to a specific asset, such as a tree, hydrant, or sign, and prompt them to collect additional information through related inspection or maintenance records.


In this type of workflow, the task guides the worker to the correct location, while the related records capture the detailed information needed for inspections, maintenance tracking, or condition assessments. This approach works well when the task is simply the trigger for collecting additional data in the field.


While powerful, related records do require a bit more configuration and planning to ensure the relationships and forms behave as expected in Field Maps.




Strengths


Tasks are especially valuable for teams that want something quick and lightweight.

Some of the biggest advantages include:

  • No additional software or cost

  • Quick to deploy

  • Easy configuration

  • A clear to-do list for field staff

  • Push notifications when tasks are assigned


For many organizations, tasks provide just enough structure to improve field coordination without introducing unnecessary complexity.



Limitations


While tasks are powerful, they are not intended to replace full asset management or work order systems.


Some current limitations include:

  • Only one tasks layer per map

  • A manager application is required to create and assign tasks

  • Dashboards can allow editing, but cannot create new task features

  • Permissions and licensing still need to be configured carefully

  • Related records can be tricky to configure

  • Batch editing is not yet supported in Field Maps


If you need a complex work order management system, the ArcGIS Field Maps task capability may not be the right fit. But if you need something simple and fast, they are definitely worth exploring.



Final Thoughts


Tasks in Field Maps make it easy to turn your map into a focused to-do list for field crews. For organizations that need a simple way to assign and track work, tasks provide a lightweight solution that is quick to deploy and easy to manage.


With ArcGIS Workforce retiring in 2026, now is the perfect time to start exploring tasks as its replacement.


To see the full setup process and demos, check out our webinar.


Contact us today to discuss our GIS services!

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