Which feature distinguishes a hosted feature layer from other types of layers?

A hosted feature layer is specifically distinguished by its real-time editing capabilities. This feature allows users to publish and edit geographic data directly through the web, making it highly dynamic and interactive. Unlike static layers that contain fixed data, a hosted feature layer supports simultaneous data interactions from multiple users, enabling real-time updates and collaborative editing. This is essential for scenarios such as field data collection or collaborative mapping efforts, where changes to the data need to be reflected instantly.

In contrast, geocoding services focus on converting addresses into geographic coordinates but do not inherently provide real-time editing of data. Static data storage indicates that the data does not change over time, which is not the case with hosted feature layers that encourage frequent updates. Similarly, pre-rendered map images are often used for display purposes and do not allow for the interactive editing of the underlying feature data. This makes real-time editing capabilities a hallmark feature of hosted feature layers among the different types of layers available in GIS environments.