UN-Tracing Capabilities in MMPKs

[SebastianDrexel]

Currently, Mobile Map Packages (MMPKs) do not support tracing functionality for Utility Networks (UN). This significantly limits their usefulness for offline workflows, especially in operational field scenarios.

It would be highly beneficial to support Utility Network tracing in offline mode within MMPKs in the future. MMPKs can be efficiently generated and distributed to a large number of devices using scripted processes (e.g. overnight updates), making them ideal for scalable offline deployments.

Enabling offline tracing would greatly enhance field operations by allowing users to perform network analysis and decision-making without continuous network connectivity—particularly in areas with limited or no coverage.

[RichRuh]

Hi Sebastian,

We're currently supporting offline workflows using Offline Map areas created with ArcGIS Enterprise. These areas can be generated on the server, updated on a regular basis, and downloaded to individual clients (one enterprise map package is downloaded to multiple clients).

Which client are you using for offline workflows? Pro, Field Maps, or a custom app?

--Rich

[SebastianDrexel]

Hi Rich,

thanks for your response.

Yes, we are familiar with the proposed approach using Offline Map Areas in ArcGIS Enterprise, including the option to predefine areas on the server and update them regularly.

However, from an operational perspective we see some relevant drawbacks with this workflow:
as far as we know offline areas still require active user interaction to trigger the download on the device. In urgent operational scenarios (e.g. a gas leak or other incidents requiring immediate action), this can lead to unwanted delays if the required area is not already available offline.

With MMPKs, we would have a significant operational advantage:
via our Mobile Device Management (MDM), we can distribute updated map packages fully automatically to all end devices during nightly update windows. This ensures that all users start their shift with up-to-date offline data, without any manual steps required on their side.

This fully automated distribution is a key reason why MMPKs are very attractive for us in large-scale field deployments—and why the lack of Utility Network tracing support in offline MMPKs is desired.

Regarding your question about clients:
we are using ArcGIS Field Maps as well as VertiGIS Studio Mobile for our offline field workflows.

Best regards
Sebastian

[RichRuh]

Hi Sebastian,

I have some follow-up questions. Would you mind sending me your contact information at rruh@esri.com?

Thanks,

Rich

[ZdeněkJankovský]

Hi,

another benefit of MMPKs is the ability to add multiple Locators packages. Offline Map Areas does not support that, so users could not search addresses or other regional areas.

Zdeněk J.

[RichRuh]

Thanks, Zdeněk