Calculations occuring after point submission, not on point creation

Question

Hello. I've been running into a consistent issue where photos are not always attaching to my points correctly, despite the device stating that it submitted. In response, I've been attempting to create a control method that is usable on the field, in real time, offline. The code I have so far is as follows:

var AtchNum = Count(Attachments($feature))if ($editcontext.editType) {return AtchNum}else {return '0'} The issue I'm encountering is that the calculation only occurs at point creation, not point submission. This is important because it returns 0 every time because the moment the point is created, there is no data therefore the return is 0. But I need it to return a nonzero answer. My var creates this number, and the purpose of the editcontext feature is supposed to be to force the code to recalculate when the point data is updated, such as when a photo is added. This feature doesn't appear to be working however, and I can find no explanation on how to properly use this variable.

kmsmikrud · Answer

Hi @FletcherHubbard ,

I just wanted to add in we have been using arcade expression in pop-ups in Field Maps offline that work great. Here is a link on attachments and arcade that might be useful.

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-online/mapping/visualize-your-attachments-in-arcgis-online-with-arcade/

I think the arcade expression should also work in labels offline for attachment count.

Thanks,
Kathy

FletcherHubbard · Answer

Hey Justin, I'm thinking we've had a disconnect. To my knowledge, when creating new fields from the data section in ArcGIS proper and asking said fields to perform calculations, it restricts offline mode from being used if the code is in Arcade. It only allows for the field to work offline if the code is written in Sequel. I've not heard of and am unfamiliar with creating what I'm attempting to do in popups in the Field Maps Viewer. My end goal is getting every point to have a number floating above it that is that number of attachments.

JustinReynolds · Answer

Correct.  The Attachment function doesn't have much utility in the Form Calculation profile at the moment.  That could change or ESRI could introduction additional functionality when inline attachments elements become a thing in 2024 or 2025.

The Attachments function does however work great for popups, and you should be able to get a count to display in your label using Arcade as well.  It should work offline with your own edits or edits from others once you sync up with the server.

The option of last resort would be to use an automated task to calculate that field for all of your features daily or weekly.  Python or FME come to mind for that, but would require that you sync your offline map often as well.  We use webhooks and FME on our services a lot for making special changes to data or triggering other event as new features are submitted.