If your team is budgeting ArcGIS Online, you need to separate storage from hosted feature layer usage.
The quick model
- Store files (e.g., original uploads): ongoing storage.
- Host layers (Feature/Tile layers): storage + service cost.
- Use layers (analysis, geocoding, routing): operational credits.
What we recommend
- Keep a monthly inventory of hosted items.
- Standardize how you publish layers (naming, ownership, expiry).
- Use a "publish once, reuse many" model instead of duplicate layers.
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Sources:
- Esri ArcGIS Online credits documentation: https://www.esri.com/