NextGen Geo
2026 Wave Two 2026 Wave Three 2026 Wave One
NextGen Geo
2026 Wave Two 2026 Wave Three 2026 Wave One
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View historic map snapshots

Audience: Administrators, GIS specialists

Understand how to use the Historic Snapshot widget to view, query, and analyze map data at specific historical points in time.

Prerequisites

Before you start:

  • Ensure the map toolbar includes the Historic Snapshot widget.

  • Verify that target ArcGIS services have archiving enabled and support historic queries (supportsQueryWithHistoricMoment: true).

Understand historic moments

The Historic Snapshot widget applies a historicMoment parameter to compatible ArcGIS map services, updating the map to display a historical data snapshot.

Key behaviors:

  • Real-time updates: The map refreshes immediately when you select a date.

  • Operation alignment: Identify, query, and export operations reflect the selected historic date.

  • Editing disabled: Editing tools automatically disable while viewing historical snapshots.

  • Future dates restricted: You cannot select dates in the future.

  • Service compatibility: Only layers with supportsQueryWithHistoricMoment: true (defined in archivingInfo) respond to historic date settings. For MapImageLayer services, the parameter passes via customParameters.

Historic Snapshot interface reference

Field / Control

Description

Date field

Select any valid past date manually using a calendar picker.

Pre-configured timestamps

Select from a predefined set of historical dates in a drop-down menu.

Time slider

Move through predefined temporal values on a visual slider bar.

Date labels

Displays date markers beneath the time slider when enabled in widget settings.

Reset

Clears the selected historic moment and restores live map data.

View a historic snapshot

  1. In the maps toolbar, click Historic Snapshot to open the panel.

  2. Select a date using one of the available interaction modes:

    • Time slider mode (preconfigured timestamps): Drag the slider to a timestamp or select a date from the drop-down list.

    • Date field mode (manual entry): Select a specific date using the calendar picker in the date field.

  3. The map updates automatically to display data from the selected point in time.

Clear a historic moment

To clear the historical view and return to live map data:

  • In the Historic Snapshot panel, click Reset.

  • Alternatively, close the Historic Snapshot panel.

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