Options for embedding a chat/message feed within a restricted Hub site

[Matt-Goodman]

I'm looking for ideas for how to approach this, simpler=better. 

We have a Hub site, restricted to our authorized personnel, that serves as a center of information sharing during emergency incidents. It houses all our resources for emergency response, web maps, etc. But a feature we would really like to add is some type of message 'feed' that any user can send an update to. I know that we can embed Twitter/Facebook feeds, but those have to be publicly-accessible feeds, which is not acceptable for our purposes. Ideally it would allow any users that has access to the Hub site to submit a text update for all others to see.

Example messages:

6/22/2025 17:33 - Frank Turner
Cross-functional response team EOC meeting moved to 18:00.

6/22/2025 16:23 - Jon Smith  
Road foreman has confirmed bridge out on highway 43. Setting up barricades now. 

6/22/2025 16:01 - Frank Turner
Latest PIO press release re: related public health hazards has been finalized.

6/22/2025 15:48 - Diane Cramer
Mobile incident command post now being set up at Springdale Fire hall. 

Ideally it would include user & datetime stamps. 

Is there a native 'messaging' module in Hub? Can a specific Microsoft Teams chat be embedded somehow? Are there any other known solutions for this type of functionality? (Please don't tell me to create a Survey123 form for chats.)

If not, should this post be moved to "Ideas"? 

[RPGIS · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, either Survey123 or a feature service with attribute rules may be your best bet. It shouldn't be difficult to replicate using both and it can be set to delete the records once the user is finished or a date is set for deletion.

You can always embed sites into your hub but make sure that it can be accessed by your organization. Teams may work if you use the web version. 

[Matt-Goodman]

Thanks for confirming. I ended up setting up a basic hosted table with edit-tracking fields, shared to the appropriate permissions group in ArcGIS Online, then using it in a super-simple Experience Builder app that includes an 'edit widget' in a collapsing panel. I wish it a was a little more configurable, but it sort-of does the job. 

 

[DataOfficer]

I agree using either Survey123 to submit messages to the feed, or if you have ArcGIS Hub Premium, making use of the Discussion boards functionality. 

[Matt-Goodman]

Thanks for this response - I wasn't aware of the Discussion Boards functionality. Another potential reason to subscribe to Premium.

[RPGIS]

We are looking to do the same but most chatbots behave in a similar manner that you created. The only slight difference is that they are session based but I believe you should be able to filter based on whomever logs in or if you can set it up so that it filters based on a name.