Hello @SarahNoakes1 ,
That's really an interesting approach o the problem at hand. However, I think, the schema locking capability for a Service plays a key role here.
To briefly explain, "An ArcGIS Server map service uses schema locking to prevent modifications to the source dataset schemas while the service is running. By default, schema locking is enabled on map services. If your workflow requires periodic updates to the dataset's schema without stopping the map service "
For more details and understanding : Disabling schema locking on a map service—Documentation (10.3 and 10.3.1) | ArcGIS Enterprise
Enterprise geodatabase locks : Enterprise geodatabase locks—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation
Furthermore, as you mentioned that you make changes to the map maybe an extra layer to the map service for map layer changes to be reflected in a map service, you must overwrite the map service.
For more details : Change schema in map services—ArcGIS Server | Documentation for ArcGIS Enterprise
I would like to suggest that you can try disabling map service schema lock setting but as it's production please be aware of the following:
- When schema locking is disabled, it is recommended that you only update a schema when a service is idle. If you update a schema when a service is under load, users of the map service can experience unexpected behavior, such as missing layers and fields, failing queries, and unavailable services.
- Changing the schema locking setting requires you to restart the service. Additionally, for changes to be reflected if you disable schema locking for the service, you must either restart the map service after schema changes that alter the definition of existing fields are completed or overwrite the map service if you added or deleted a field.
- You cannot disable schema locking on map services configured to use the shared instance pool.
For more details : Change schema in map services—ArcGIS Server | Documentation for ArcGIS Enterprise
Re-enable schema locking : Change schema in map services—ArcGIS Server | Documentation for ArcGIS Enterprise
While I was looking for a probable solution for your situation, I found the following blog and tested both the functions in here, I was able to overwrite the Map service without having to rename the service. section "Overwrite an existing service with Python" in
Python Script to Overwrite Existing Service in ArcGIS Server (spatialtimes.com)
Also, if possible can you share the log error in ArcGIS Server. If none of the above helps.
-Archit