Dashboards That Pop: Attribute Editing
I frequently use ArcGIS Dashboards in editing workflows. Typically, the dashboard is used as a jumping-off point for opening an ArcGIS Survey123 survey in edit mode. Today, however, I want to explore dashboard's new-ish attribute editing capability.
I’ve set up a simplified dashboard where park staff can review maintenance issues reported by the public.
Let’s set up this dashboard so that the reviewers can determine if the reported issue is in fact a maintenance issue, and if so, assign it to a worker to correct.
Enable Attribute Editing
Ensure that the layer you want to edit in your dashboard has editing enabled. Otherwise, you will not see the option to allow attribute editing. Note that you can only update attributes in the dashboard, which means your layer must allow users to be able to update.
Map Pop-Up
You can enable attribute editing in the map pop-up by opening the configuration settings for the map.
In the Layer actions tab, scroll down to the Editing section and toggle the Allow attribute updating switch on.
Table Element
The other option is to use a Table element. Your table must be configured to use Features as opposed to Grouped values if you want users to be able to edit.
To enable editing, navigate to the General tab and toggle on the Allow attribute editing switch. You can then elect if you want the editing icon to display at the start or end of the table.
Editing Options
By default, when users click on the editing icon in the dashboard, they will be presented with all available fields to edit.
If you want to control which fields are available for users to update, add hints, set required fields, include some logic, or automatically apply calculations, you will need to set up a Form in the web map used in the dashboard. See the Resources section at the bottom for helpful Form creation resources.
I’ve set up my Form to display different questions based on the value of the Status field. I’m also auto calculating some fields when a reported issue is Closed.
Policing squirrel expressions is outside of our jurisdiction.
Considerations
Overall, attribute editing in dashboards is pretty snazzy, but it is not for every situation. Here are some things to consider when deciding how to incorporate editing into your dashboard.
Are you using non-spatial data? The only way to control the editing experience is through Forms which are connected to specific maps. Without a map, your users will be presented with every field when editing.
Do you want users to edit the shape or location of a feature? The built-in editing capability in dashboard only supports attribute editing.
Do you want users to add a new feature or record? The built-in editing capability in dashboard only supports updating attributes and not adds or deletes.
Do you want to include smart logic not supported by Arcade, such as choice filters or dynamic choice lists? Not all Survey123 capabilities can be replicated in the map Forms using Arcade. If those capabilities are a requirement, you should probably stick with editing using Survey123.
Resources
ArcGIS Help: Configure forms for attribute editing
Forms aren’t just for ArcGIS Field Maps anymore
Common calculated expressions for ArcGIS Field Maps
Go Beyond the Smart Editor using Smart Forms
From the Smart Editor to Smart Forms
Happy Dashboarding!
Photo by Maddie Franz
