topic Python script to change data source of feature layer in ArcGIS Online Questions

Python script to change data source of feature layer

Ivy_Hinson — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:00:06 GMT

I am trying to write a script that updates a feature layer on arcgis online. I need to replace the data source to the new feature class each time I run the script. How can I accomplish this?

Re: Python script to change data source of feature layer

MobiusSnake — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:16:14 GMT

Assuming you're talking about hosted feature layers (as opposed to those coming from Enterprise), I could be mistaken but I don't believe this is possible. Feature classes are completely abstracted away in AGOL, and users (along with the API) only have access to feature layers.

I'm going to take a guess and speculate you want to do this to make web maps, apps, forms, etc. use an updated data source, rather than modifying the maps/apps/etc. to use to a new feature layer? I believe it's possible to change the source of a feature layer view (although I'm not sure how to do it in Python), so a solution may be to do this:

Initially:
- Publish a feature layer
- Create feature layer views
- Configure your maps/apps/etc. to use the views
When an update is required:
- Publish your updated feature layer
- Alter the views to use the new layer as their sources
- Delete the original layer

Re: Python script to change data source of feature layer

MeganWheatley — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 22:51:53 GMT

Why are you needing to replace the data source? Can you not truncate and append the data in your hosted feature layer to accomplish what you are needing?

Also, AGOL now has the ability to swap views so if you want to do something like that it could be helpful.