Trace should be possible without an UN extension

[BarbaraS]

Today, if a user wants to trace a network, they have to have an UN extension assigned to them. We understand, that this is Esri's business model, hiding trace capabilities behind the UN Server capabilities. We believe, that this is a simple action, almost a query on the dataset, very much like filtering or querying the data as opposed to editing features, which naturally requires at least an Editor user type. Tracing is not requesting more SOC's from the server, nothing is being processed, no other workflows follow a standard trace (compared to editing with f.ex. versioning).

We have talked to Esri about our point of view, and need now the support from the user base. The more customers support this idea, the better chances we have that Esri is rethinking its business model around tracing for viewers 🙂

[JakeJacobsAVA]

Totally agree with this. One of the things we are always working towards is to have field folks and gas dispatch folks and engineers being able to have the same operational view in an emergency. We want both field and office to perform the trace and talk about the results together to make decisions. But having a UN extension for every field worker just for that is not feasible given the cost.

[LarryYoung]

Thanks for the feedback.  This is not the first time we've gotten this request.  We are taking a look at this and other licensing changes with the next couple of releases.

[BarbaraS]

Thank you Larry, appreciated!

[JimmyBowden]

With the release of ArcGIS Enterprise 11.2 the UN extension is no longer available. It has been replaced by the Advanced Editing user type extension. Is this new extension required to run a trace? I don't see any documentation indicating this. 

@LarryYoung Any update to this idea based on 11.2 licensing changes?

[LarryYoung]

Hi @JimmyBowden 

The check for a UTE license was removed from the trace call on the Utility Network Service with ArcGIS Enterprise 11.2.  Depending on what client you are using, you should now be able to trace without a UTE as long as you move forward to ArcGIS Enterprise 11.2.

thanks, larry

[RemiMyers]

ArcGIS Enterprise 11.2 depreciated the ArcGIS Utility Network User Type extension and replaced it with the Advanced Editor User Type extension.  Post ArcGIS Enterprise 11.2 trace operations no longer need a Advanced Editor User Type extension.

[PabloCuadrado]

Hello @RemiMyers,  Does this mean that with a user of type viewer it will be possible to access the tracing methods?

Thanks in advance

[RemiMyers]

@PabloCuadrado, Correct, user with type Viewer without an Advanced Editing User Type extension (replaces Utility Network, Trace Network, and Parcel Fabric extensions) is able to trace features.

[PabloCuadrado]

Thank you, this is very good news!!

[EstherSmith_Dev]

This is a fantastic news, thanks @LarryYoung, @RemiMyers . (Somehow missed this announcement). Only missing part of the puzzle now is Utility Network supporting geodatabase replication. We can then have fully functional "system of record" and "system of engagement" with all UN functionality including tracing available in the system of engagement.