Copy Backup Web Maps and Feature Services within Organization

Question

I need to add fields to and update the schema (dictionary) of a feature layer being used in a web map, being used in Field Maps.  That process seems possible (Update Feature Service with Schema Changes to AGOL  ) . Prior to making edits however, I simply want to create backups of both the content int the web maps, and the web map itself in case I make a mistake.  What is correct protocol for doing this?  My understanding of Cloning is that it's designed for copying content inter-organizationally, so seems that's not the solution.

Much appreciated,

Zach

Not on Enterprise, just AGOL.

MobiusSnake · Answer

For source control I use Git but there are other options.

Restoring from a File GDB can get pretty complex, it depends what kind of mistake was made.  For example if someone accidentally deletes a photo, the easiest thing to do is to download the FGDB, grab the photo using Pro and manually drop it back where it should be.  If significant numbers of records were accidentally deleted it usually involves some scripting though, in an absolute worst-case scenario it might require publishing the FGDB as a new service and repointing all maps/apps/forms to the new service.

ZacharyUhlmann1 · Answer

Two follow ups:

1) "Source Control" is that proprietary ESRI versioning software? GIT?

2)  For the File GDB workflow, what's your protocol in the event that you make a mistake?  For instance, you make a copy FGDB, edit the original but make a mistake - then do you Update the Data Source on AGOL back to the backup and delete the original?

MobiusSnake · Answer

I get web maps and apps as JSON using the Python API's Item.get_data() method, then push that JSON to source control.

Feature services can get a little more complicated but usually I export them as File GDB, leaving the File GDB in ArcGIS Online unless there's a specific reason to download it.