Esri Software at ASU

Groups in ArcGIS Online are used to store and organize collections of related content, such as layers, maps and apps. ArcGIS Online has two types of groups: Default ArcGIS Online group and Shared Update Groups. Depending on the needs of the group members, it is important to decide which group to create.

For full details on ArcGIS Online groups and group creation, please refer to the Esri documentation on Creating Groups in ArcGIS Online.

Default Groups

Any ArcGIS Online user can create a group as a way of organizing items and sharing with other groups members. The owner of the group has full control of the group, including type of content and members. In this group, members can only edit content that they own.

Shared Update Groups

The other type of group, a shared update group, has all of the same settings as the default, except that members of the group have the power to mutually edit and update content shared within the group, regardless of content ownership. This allows for more direct collaboration among group members. The setting to allow group members to update all group content is only available when the group is first created. All members of ASU's ArcGIS Online organization with the ASU Publisher role have the privileges to create Shared Update Groups.

Configuration of a shared update group happens when the group is first created. Under “Group designations”, you must enable the “Shared update” option. Important: a default ArcGIS Online groups cannot be updated to a share update group after it has been created. If you have a group that you wish to convert into a shared update group, you must make a new group and configure it accordingly. 

If you have any questions or need help creating a group, please submit a Service Request to the Map and Geospatial Hub.