Using ArcGIS Data in Power BI Elements and Visualizations

Question

Hello!

So I think I am not fully understanding the point of ArcGIS for Power BI. I want to be able to use AGOL Data to create Power BI Visualizations and I am only finding documentation for using the ArcGIS for PowerBI visualization and adding layers and just having that map with layers, but nothing really about using agol data within other visualizations. Is there functionality for this? or is it purely just the map stuff?

I followed this specific tutorial, which seems to be one of the few that allow you to use layers in the way that I want : https://www.exprodat.com/blog/using-arcgis-rest-services-as-power-bi-data-sources-part-1/

However, I am now encountering issues with being unable to refresh the data, the only solution is getting a new token and adding that to the url, which isn't something I can feasibly do every day. Is there a way around this? Has anyone had much luck with having live ArcGIS Online data in PowerBI? Also to add on, I cannot make the data public. This would have to be accessible by those in my organization through their accounts.

KanikaKumar · Answer

Yes, ArcGIS for Power BI is primarily focused on the visual map component itself (adding layers, symbology, reference layers, etc. directly onto the map visual). If you want to use ArcGIS Online data to drive other non-map Power BI visualizations (like bar charts, matrices, or KPIs), pulling REST services directly in via Power Query (like the Exprodat workflow you linked) is typically the approach people look at—though, as you discovered, token authentication and data refresh limits can become a major bottleneck when data isn't public.

Also, the ArcGIS visual relies on a Power BI data category or field binding to maintain its state and trigger rendering during report load, having that small bound table acts as an anchor to persist the visual. This is kind of a required step only for persistence.

GeorgeRustean · Answer

Hello sophered,

I am encountering the issue where I can add a ArcGIS Online data layer onto the map in Power BI desktop. I then save the report, close Power BI desktop. When I then open it again, the map shows up but no data layers showing.

I have discovered that I need to add a semantic model (this is a small table with 2 aggregated columns - values '1234', '5678'). I then just add one column to the map visual with all my data layers. Save the report and also publish the report and all the data layers are still there.

This is not the ideal method so I would like to know if there is a better way.

Thanks,

George