topic Changing the Source URL for an ArcGIS Server web service. in ArcGIS Online Questions

Changing the Source URL for an ArcGIS Server web service.

MikeLongtine — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:52:27 GMT

I have a feature layer that was created by adding a URL to an ArcGIS web service, it works just fine. The problem is I would like to change the source URL for the layer. This would seem easy to do using the ArcGIS Assistant by editing the JSON “sourceUrl” with the new URL. When I edit and save the, the message, “Saved!” shows up. Upon refreshing the page, I notice that the “sourceUrl” has been changed back to the original url thus not actually saving. Just curious if anybody else has dealt with this and if there is a possible workaround. The object of this is to change the source URL without changing the REST endpoint URL on the ArcGIS Online side of things.

Re: Changing the Source URL for an ArcGIS Server web service.

Dave_Magill — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:21:11 GMT

If I understand the original post correctly, I'd also like this ability.
I think this would allow me to have several maps access a feature layer using this 'proxy' url (utility.arcgis.com/...) and by changing the sourceUrl simplify redirecting all these maps to a different copy of the feature layer (updated, but with the same schema) This would make for an easier/safer workflow in cases where we want to recreate a layer (before deleting the original) to have AGOL recalculate correct file/feature sizes to account for bulk deleted features (BUG-000135310) and reduce our credit usage.

Re: Changing the Source URL for an ArcGIS Server web service.

DebapriyaPaul — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:19:54 GMT

Hi @MikeLongtine On ArcGIS Online Assistant, have you tried the option to Update the URLs of Services in a Web map?

Once you select the Web map, you can Find and Replace the URLs for operational layers. However, this carries the risk of losing any layer configuration you have modified and saved to the Web map.

Hope this helps!

Re: Changing the Source URL for an ArcGIS Server web service.

MikeLongtine — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:54:04 GMT

I've used the ArcGIS Online Assistant in the past for changing source URL of a layer in the Web Map, and I have found just editing the JSON is easier. In this case I was looking at the source URL for an Item shared on AGOL from another source. AGOL MY content -> + New item -> URL. Then change the source URL of that item.

Either way, I just created a new layer using the new URL and changed the source URL (for that layer) for all the web maps that used the old layer. It worked, just a little more painful than I wanted it to be.

Sorry for the slow response, I had moved on from this issue.