A feature service provides a web interface between data stored on the server and an application on the browser created to use it. They can be accessed through URL endpoints similar to map services. However, they produce very different results. They can be loaded on a map and queried much like dynamic or tiled services, but there is more. Feature services return graphics instead of tiles. These graphics can be queried, and even edited, if the service allows.
With ArcGIS Server 10.1, feature services can be published with the added functionality of feature templates. Feature templates give the user preconfigured features to add to the map. Feature templates are created in ArcMap, and define the symbology and predefined attributes. These templates make it easier to edit service data.
One example of Feature templates can be found on an animal sighting map. The points on the map designate where animal sightings take place. Feature templates could be created to...