How can I create a feature layer that contains searchable real-time data from an external data source?

[sparky]

Ultimately what I am trying to achieve here is to render a map in a browser (using ArcGIS API for JavaScript) where users can view and search for data that originates outside of ArcGIS (some external database or cloud service). Search will be available using the native search widget which only supports feature layers and geocoders/locators.

The data needs to be as up-to-date as possible. Real-time is ideal.

Would like the added benefit of being able to add this feature layer to ArcGIS Online or Portal for ArcGIS.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[GavinRehkemper]

Hi, there are a few ways you can do this: you could use some code to push the data to a Feature Service (in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise) via the REST API (addFeatures endpoint). Alternatively, you could have a process the regularly runs and pulls the data from your third party service into a Feature Service. A third option might be Koop.