Updating AGO Hosted Feature Services with Python

[DanielSenner]

Hello, we are currently using the python script below to update services in ArcGIS online. The issue we are having is when it runs it removes the thumbnail and description I populate. I was wondering if it is possible for the thumbnail and the description not to be removed when it runs? Any help on this would be appreciated.

http://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/20...s-with-python/

Thanks
Dan Senner

[KevinHibma]

Your link got garbled, so I'm not sure if you're pointing to the first or 2nd version of the blog.
In the 2nd version of the blog, you can enter a description into the INI file.
http://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2014/01/24/updating-your-hosted-feature-service-for-10-2/

As for the thumbnail, I see its part of the item common parameters: http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/arcgis-rest-api/index.html#//02r30000009v000000
That said, you could enhance the script to upload a thumbnail when uploading the SD.
You could go as far as generating a new thumbnail everytime you run the script (from the MXD). There is an arcpy command: http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//00s30000000n000000 or some code examples in this Q&A: http://mappingcenter.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=ask.answers&q=1504

[AdrienLepoutre]

Hello Kevin,

Thank you for creating that blog. 

I read your blog post and wrote a script based on it. I am currently coming across an issue and thought I would share it as you seem to have some experience in the domain.

I am trying to update the title of an item in open data, considering it is encased in a process with a script similar to yours (.aprx -> service definition -> hosted feature layer in AGOL).

Based on your expertise, do you think renaming the feature service might be the best solution?

Here is my post on geonet:

https://community.esri.com/message/928224-updating-title-of-hosted-feature-layer-getting-updated-via...

I’ve also opened a case but the analyst suggested renaming the service but I have not been able to find these functionalities on the admin REST for AGOL.

I saw you had created a tool to rename services (I assume using the REST api). I was wondering if I could possibly use it on my service in AGOL?

I’ve also tried https://developers.arcgis.com/rest/services-reference/update-definition-feature-service-.htm to no avail.