topic Re: dateTime now() not displaying the correct format in ArcGIS Survey123 Questions

dateTime now() not displaying the correct format

JoseBarrios1 — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 03:16:50 GMT

Hello everyone,

I'm having hard time understanding how the dateTime format work is Survey123. I look at the this blog from Ismael (https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-survey123-blog/dates-and-time-in-survey123/ba-p/895528) but it is still not clear to me how to set the correct time format in the XLSForm (Connect . 3.17.55). For example, I want to display on the survey form and record the time as 10:40 PM (ET). If I set the dateTime default to now() it display the correct format (see A red circle on image) but it records the time as 22:40. Also, when I change the language to Spanish, the display also change to 22:40 (see B red circle on image). Any suggestions on how to accomplish this? Thanks for any help!

Re: dateTime now() not displaying the correct format

ChristopherCounsell — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 03:41:05 GMT

Can you try forcing the date to be stored as 24 hour time from opening?

i.e.put the below into the default or calculation column for the survey_DateTime question?

format-date(now(),'%Y/%m/%d %H:%M')

I imagine it's to do with local device settings where the date is gettin gpulled from.

the notes will show in 24 hour time for both, as you have formatted them this way %:H = 24H

https://doc.arcgis.com/en/survey123/desktop/create-surveys/xlsformformulas.htm#ESRI_SECTION1_AD27BB09225C4DBC9C04D0C6877E7A42

Re: dateTime now() not displaying the correct format

JoseBarrios1 — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:43:20 GMT

Thanks magisian,

I try to set your formula on the default (and calculation ) for the dateTime question but it did not work for me. I'm getting a blank date and time for the default and an error on the calculation (see pic). Thanks once again for your feedback!

Re: dateTime now() not displaying the correct format

IsmaelChivite — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:15:35 GMT

Hi @JoseBarrios1 Unfortunately, it is not possible to use XLSForm syntax to define the time format to be used in the time widget. That is: You cannot control the format used to collect the date/time value in the calendar/time widget in the form. The date and time format in the widget is dictated by the operating system and locale.

The format-date function is used to get a time value and generate a string, which you can then store as an attribute or display in the form as a note.

Your ask looks similar to this idea. https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-survey123-ideas/different-formats-for-time-field-in-survey123/idc-p/1278387 Feel free to add your input to the idea if appropriate. Thanks!

Re: dateTime now() not displaying the correct format

JoseBarrios1 — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:59:27 GMT

Go it...Thanks for your quick response!