External Choice List not Updating

Question

I am using external CSVs for the first time.  I have several forms that use the same external csv's, mainly with pulldata functions to lookup data in the external csv.

To start, these CSVs were in the media folder via Connect.  Now, I uploaded to AGOL as CSV and linked them with the linked content function.

I am testing it, and when I make changes to the AGOL version of the CSV, it does not update in the survey.  I am using the update data feature of AGOL, and when I download the file to preview, I can confirm the updates are there.

I have tried refreshing the survey, republishing, and other things to no avail.  I have tested on my phone as well, but again, its not updating it.  What is going on here?  Does this work offline I hope?  It says yes it does in the first comment on the Tricks of the Trade External CSV post.  (I am aware of the bug that when you access S123 from Field Maps, it won't update.  This is just using S123 directly)

RobertAnderson3 · Answer

One of the quirks with the hosted CSVs is that they will only check for updates if you go to the survey info screen after selecting it from the main menu (like where it shows the Inbox, Drafts, etc). I have had the idea posted in the forums for ages to update this, I hope it comes when the full rebuild of S123 I've been hearing about is released.

And yes as Tyler said above, I also noticed occasionally (not always and I couldn't figure out what the reason was) if you had a CSV in the media folder when it's published that is the same name as the hosted CSV, it won't download the updated hosted version, so you might need to delete the CSV from the media folder and republish it, maybe even deleting the form from the device in question as well, then redownloading it.

It's a pain, but that could be why it's happening.

For offline, it does work if it's the hosted CSV for choice lists as linked content, but you would of course need an internet connection for it to update the list.

TylerGraham2 · Answer

First thing to do is check to make sure the csv sharing permissions are the same as your form. I create more work for myself than I care to admit by forgetting to do that.

How are you accessing the form? Are you opening in from within Survey123 or are you using a link that opens the form in Survey123?

I use external lists using the search() appearance method and if you bypass the survey's home screen for the survey (e.g. use a link that takes you direct to data entry in the form) it will not update any linked csv lists. The check and download of updated csv files occurs in the survey home screen before you hit the Collect button. At least when using search(), Survey123 does not check to see if csv files are up to date if you open the form directly using a link, I'm not sure if the same is true if you're using select one from file.

Try that and if your issue continues, I would try removing the csv files from the media folder and republishing the survey. My workflow for search() appearance specifically excludes csv files in the media folder. It has been years since I developed that part and I can't remember exactly, but I think it was because survey123 looked at the media csv files rather than the linked ones. Just move the csv files rather than deleting, that way you don't do something you can't undo.

LaurenceTait · Answer

Have you updated the surveys on your phone?