Creating a backup of map incl. feature layers, visualization and attachments

ErikAIversen

Over time the company I work for has built up a lot of maps in online that are no longer in active use. All these maps and feature layers contribute to credit usage, but we have kept them online since we sometimes have to revisit old maps for new projects with returning clients.  

Is there a way to create a file geodatabase that includes all the layers, their visualization and attachments (if any)? I've tried to open the map in ArcGIS Pro and use the  "Extract Data" geoprocess tool. Sadly it didn't keep the original visualization nor the attatchments, but it did keep all the layers saved into one file geodatabase. 

MobiusSnake

Generally speaking, there isn't a way to store map properties, layer symbology, etc. in a geodatabase.  I have seem some custom approaches where these types of things are persisted in BLOB fields, or in large text fields with JSON content.

When I'm working on an AGOL project where I need to backup the data as well as maps, apps, etc., I'll usually do this:

• I use AGOL's built-in export process to create File GDB backups of the data.  FGDB is crucial (as opposed alternatives like shapefiles) because other data types involve the loss of some aspects of the data, such as null values or attachments.
• I use a Python script that uses the ArcGIS API for Python (specifically the Item class) to connect to web maps, apps, etc. and downloads their definition as JSON files.  These JSON files capture map configuration like symbology and forms, element configuration and Data Expressions in dashboards, that kind of thing.  I push these JSON files into a Git repo, so I keep a complete history of these components.