Expression to update polygon attributes with intersecting point attributes

[SamHumphreys]

Hello!

I have been tasked with creating a dashboard/experience using our permit information, problem is that we have 4 points (permits) per parcel. What I am aiming to do is create a new polygon layer based off of parcel information which would reflect the type of permits that are found within that specific parcel. This would need to be refreshed every day. 

This new layer would only display the most recent permit for the parcel and the symbology would be tied to that permit type. This information will then be uploaded to ArcGIS online and be updated at the same interval that the parcel/permit layers are. 

I have no clue where to begin. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[ivanskcheung]

Hi Sam,

This is a common workflow challenge, and you’re right that it can feel overwhelming at first. Since you’re working in ArcGIS Pro 3.1.3, here’s a practical way to approach it:

1. Join Points to Parcels

   • Use Spatial Join (Analysis toolbox) to transfer permit attributes from the point features to the parcel polygons.

   • This will give each parcel a record of the permits associated with it.

2. Keep Only the Most Recent Permit

   • Use Summary Statistics or Group By in the Join Features tool (ArcGIS Online) to select the permit with the latest date for each parcel.

   • This ensures your parcel layer reflects only the most recent permit.

3. Automate the Refresh

   • Build a ModelBuilder workflow or a simple Python script (arcpy) that runs daily.

   • The workflow: Spatial Join → Summary Statistics → Update Parcel Layer → Publish to ArcGIS Online.

4. Publish and Symbolize

   • Publish the resulting polygon layer to ArcGIS Online.

   • Symbolize by permit type so your dashboard automatically reflects the latest information.

Extra Tip: If you’re using ArcGIS Online dashboards, consider creating a Feature Layer View with a filter (latest permit per parcel). This way, you don’t have to regenerate the dataset manually every day — the view handles the filtering for you.