topic Re: Data loss from repeats in ArcGIS Survey123 Questions

Data loss from repeats

PatrickKleeman — Wed, 03 May 2017 04:36:00 GMT

We've had some instances of unexplained data loss from repeat sections of two different forms. We're running Survey123 on iPhone 5c, and are usually in airplane mode while in the field to extend battery life. The data losses have occurred while we are entering repeat records every few to several minutes apart, sometimes turning off the iPhone screen to save battery life, sometimes it goes to sleep on its own. For example, the other day we were entering weights and measures of newts in our Apex form. We had entered 11 repeat records and went into Survey123 to enter another repeat and only the first 7 records were there.

It has also happened with the repeats of another form (see below).

It doesn't seem to be gross user error, and I can't figure out what in the forms' structures would cause this to happen infrequently. Any helpful advice appreciated!

Thanks,

Patrick

Re: Data loss from repeats

JamesTedrick — Thu, 04 May 2017 16:57:02 GMT

Hi Patrick,

Can you define more clearly where the data is being lost? Is the application crashing or the data not appearing in the feature service? Do the repeats show when you review the form in the Sent box?

Re: Data loss from repeats

PatrickKleeman — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:08:26 GMT

Hi James,

The data is being lost before we have a chance to send the survey (out in the field in airplane mode). If we enter repeat data and Save as a Draft after each repeat record is entered, then it does not seem to occur, but that adds quite a few steps to data entry. On the occasions that this has occurred, it appears the application has crashed -- the user wakes the phone from screen off mode and Survey123 has to be re-opened, and some of the most recently entered repeat records are completely missing. Hope that makes sense.

Re: Data loss from repeats

JamesTedrick — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:11:20 GMT

Thanks Patrick,

That helps refine the issue somewhat. We have an enhancement for continuous saving of the current survey to the Draft folder that should address this issue.

Re: Data loss from repeats

PatrickKleeman — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:16:56 GMT

That's great news. Is the enhancement in 2.0 release (I just upgraded), or in an upcoming release?

Thanks,

Patrick

Re: Data loss from repeats

JamesTedrick — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:24:28 GMT

It will be a future release. While this is coming in as a fairly high priority, we haven't targeted for a specific release yet.

Re: Data loss from repeats

PatrickKleeman — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:31:38 GMT

Sounds good. I appreciate you and the team's efforts to continuously improve this useful app!

Re: Data loss from repeats

PatrickKleeman — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 04:50:32 GMT

Hi James,

Has continuous saving been implemented to solve this data loss problem with repeats?

Thanks,

Patrick

Re: Data loss from repeats

JamesTedrick — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 23:02:10 GMT

Hi Patrick,

We are working on continuous saving as part of the next (2.4) release. An early beta implementation is available via the Early Adopter Community; we will be posting an updated beta soon.

Re: Data loss from repeats

PatrickKleeman — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 01:47:40 GMT

Thanks for the update. I look forward to the 2.4 release so that I can dependably use those forms.

Best,

Patrick