Syncing Local GIS Data(not published as web service) with Excel in Sharepoint

[SarmenBajari]

I'm trying to set up a workflow using the ArcGIS for Excel add‑in and could use some advice.

I want to connect a feature layer stored on our internal network (not published as a web service) to an Excel file in OneDrive/SharePoint, so that whenever the GIS editor updates the layer, certain fields in the Excel file automatically update as well. The goal is for non‑GIS staff to always have the most current GIS attribute data without needing someone to manually export the data every day.

The challenge is that ArcGIS for Excel only works with layers that are published as web services, and this specific layer isn’t published or hosted on ArcGIS Online. It only exists on a local server. The group maintaining the dataset also prefers not to publish their layers online right now.

A few questions:

• Is there any way to establish a live or near‑real‑time connection between an internal geodatabase feature class and Excel without publishing the data?
  • Has anyone found ArcGIS for Excel to be unstable? I’ve seen cases where the add‑in becomes inactive or requires signing in again.

Note: I noticed some other users had the same issue: "Show Map" Grayed - Esri Community

• 
  • Are there alternative workflows for keeping Excel and a local geodatabase in sync without manual exports?

The only option I have found so far is using a direct OLE DB connection between Excel and the local geodatabase, but that may create extra workload for our database administrators.

[ShannonCardoza · Accepted solution]

Hello @SarmenBajari ,

Appreciate the question and inquiry! From what I gather in your post, I dont think this is currently possible with our add-in. 

There is a workflow where users can sync SharePoint files and folders with Excel automatically using power query but ArcGIS for Excel only works with layers that are published as web services so I don't think we have an option there. 

I don't have a whole lot to offer as far as using Power Query but you could explore using this to connect to the database, connect the data into excel, and then put the information on the map. Another option we do have is support on connecting to a DB (non hosted) in Excel. Please check out this blog on Using ArcGIS for Excel to Edit Referenced Data.

Let me know if you have any further questions or thoughts!

All the best, 

SC

[SarmenBajari]

Thank you Shannon.