What is the function of hosted styles in ArcGIS Online?

Hosted styles in ArcGIS Online play a critical role in enhancing the visualization of geographic data. Their primary function is to save and reuse custom symbols and color schemes, which allows users to maintain consistency in the representation of features across different maps and applications. By using hosted styles, users can create a library of tailored styles that can be applied to multiple layers, ensuring that the visual presentation aligns with branding guidelines or thematic requirements.

This capability is particularly beneficial for organizations that want to maintain visual uniformity in their mapping projects. It streamlines the process of style application, allowing users to focus on data analysis and storytelling rather than repeatedly configuring symbols and styles for each map. Overall, hosted styles contribute to a more efficient workflow in managing the visual aspects of GIS data in ArcGIS Online.