topic Re: Tracing Result by Flow Direction in ArcGIS Utility Network Questions

Tracing Result by Flow Direction

AmberY — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:43:44 GMT

Hello,

Is there a way to configure the trace result to return subnetwork controllers in their sequential order based on the direction of flow?

For example, I have a two-tier water network:

Tier 1 Subnetwork Controller: Treatment Plant
Tier 2 Subnetwork Controller: Reservoir

I would like the upstream trace result to show the supply flow sequence between controllers. For example:

Reservoir C -> Reservoir B -> Reservoir A -> Treatment Plant A

This indicates Reservoir C getting water from Reservoir B, Reservoir B getting from Reservoir A, and same goes to treatment plant A.

However, with the current tier configuration, when I perform an upstream trace from Tier 1, the result only returns the list of connected Tier 2 controllers (e.g., Reservoir A, Reservoir B, and Reservoir C). It does not indicate the actual supply sequence or flow path between these reservoirs.

Is there a way in ArcGIS Utility Network to configure the trace result to return the controller hierarchy or sequential flow order instead of only listing the connected controllers?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Tracing Result by Flow Direction

MikeMillerGIS — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:07:57 GMT

The trace returns a selection set to ArcGIS Pro. For order, you will either need to output a JSON file and create a process to walk that or explore a Network Diagram.

Re: Tracing Result by Flow Direction

RobertKrisher — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:10:54 GMT

You can learn more about outputting flow direction information in this article: Flow directions in ArcGIS Utility Network

If you're using ArcGIS Pro 3.7, ArcGIS Enterprise 12.1, you can use the Path trace to visualize the path from the source to these controllers.

Re: Tracing Result by Flow Direction

JoaquinMadrid1 — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:57:19 GMT

Robert... Thanks so much for the article. I always appreciate and learn a lot from your clear explanations.