In my geospatial workflow, I integrate Survey123 with Field Maps to streamline the process of collecting and updating feature data. The process starts in Field Maps, where I create polygons and then use a custom Arcade expression to generate a URL containing key URL parameters. These parameters—such as the Global ID of the polygon and other relevant attributes—are passed from Field Maps directly into Survey123.
When the URL is clicked, it opens Survey123, and the prepopulated values from the polygons automatically populate the survey form. I can then complete the remaining questions, filling in any additional details required.
After completing the survey, I use a Note question in Survey123 to generate a custom link that sends the updated data back to Field Maps. This link contains parameters that allow me to update the feature with the new survey responses.
The link is generated using ArcGIS expressions, which include feature data from the survey. When clicked, the user is taken directly to Field Maps, where they can see the updated feature and make any necessary adjustments. Once the feature is updated, the callback URL brings the user back to Survey123, ensuring that all responses are properly submitted.
Example of the Custom Link:
Here’s an example of the URL that gets generated in the Note question in the survey:
<a href="https://fieldmaps.arcgis.app?referenceContext=updateFeature&itemID=[sampleItemID]&featureSourceURL=[https://yourserverurl/FeatureServer/0]&featureID=[sampleFeatureID]&featureAttributes=[%7B%22address%22%3A%22NewAddress%22%2C%22HouseID%22%3A%22NewHouseID%22%2C%22rate%22%3A%22newRate%22%7D]&callback=https%3A%2F%2Fsurvey123.arcgis.app%2Fsurvey%2F[sampleSurveyID]%2Fstart" target="_blank">Click here to update the feature in Field Maps and return to Survey123</a>
**This Link is inserted in the label field in the Excel sheet on the same row for the Note question
Instructions:
- Replace [sampleItemID] with the Item ID of the layer in Field Maps that you are updating.
- Replace [https://yourserverurl/FeatureServer/0] with the FeatureService URL of the relevant layer.
- Replace [sampleFeatureID] with the Feature ID of the specific feature you want to update.
- Replace the values inside featureAttributes like address, HouseID, and rate with the appropriate survey response fields.
- Replace [sampleSurveyID] with the Survey123 Survey ID for the callback URL, which brings users back to the survey form.
"This workflow is optimized for use on mobile devices (Field Maps and Survey123 mobile apps), providing flexibility and efficiency in the field."
When you configure the link, these values will dynamically change based on the survey data or feature you’re working with.
This workflow automates and streamlines the entire process, reducing manual data entry, ensuring data accuracy, and speeding up feature updates. It significantly improves the efficiency of field data collection and editing, and I believe it could be a game-changer for others working with ArcGIS in similar environments.
Special Thanks:
A big thank you to @IsmaelChivite for his insightful contributions and guidance, which were crucial in helping me build this solution! His expertise and helpful tips are truly appreciated.
References:
- For more details on how to create clickable read-only URLs in Survey123, check out this helpful Community post by (Ismael Chivite).
- For understanding how to initiate feature updates in Field Maps, you can refer to this official Esri documentation.
