What function does a Viewer Role serve in Portal for ArcGIS?

The Viewer Role in Portal for ArcGIS is designed primarily to provide users with the ability to view and explore various types of content without granting them permissions to edit or create new items. This role is critical for maintaining control over the content within the portal while allowing a broader audience to access the information.

Users assigned with the Viewer Role can interact with maps, layers, and other resources, making it an ideal option for those who need to analyze or navigate data but do not require the capability to modify it. This ensures that the integrity of the existing content is preserved, while still fostering a collaborative environment where users can engage with the available information.

This functionality contrasts significantly with other roles that include editing and content creation privileges. It also diverges from roles that cater specifically to administrative tasks or database management. By clearly defining the Viewer Role in this manner, organizations can manage user access effectively according to their needs and security protocols.