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Update an Enterprise Geodatabase via a Portal Feature Service

Sanae Mendoza
Sanae Mendoza
  • Updated

Introduction

You can update an Enterprise Geodatabase using FME Form or FME Flow without needing ArcGIS software on the same machine. This is done by writing to a Portal Feature Service that references a registered data store.

This approach is especially useful when working with datasets that require editing through a feature service to preserve behavior or enforce rules. For example, Linear Referencing System (LRS) data, such as routes and events managed in ArcGIS Roads and Highways, must be updated through a feature service to maintain route integrity and apply event behaviors. Another example is Parcel Fabric data, which also depends on service-based editing to manage topology and record-driven workflows. This method is also useful in environments where direct database access is restricted or discouraged.

This article guides you through setting up the database, publishing the feature service, and configuring FME to write updates.

Requirements

  • ArcGIS Enterprise: Portal must be configured and federated with a hosting server.
  • Enterprise Geodatabase: For this article, we use SQL Server.
  • ArcGIS Pro: Used for setup. This is required for registering and publishing the data store.
  • FME Form: Installed on a machine that can access the Portal and the database. 
  • Network Access: Ensure SQL Server and the Portal can communicate with each other and with FME.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This workflow is divided into three parts: environment setup, data store and service publishing, and FME integration.

Part 1: Prepare the Environment

Before anything can be published or updated, the database needs to be ready to store spatial data.

1. Set Up the SQL Server Database

Use an existing SQL Server database, or create a new one. You'll enable it as an Enterprise Geodatabase in the next step.

  • Use SQL authentication (a database user), not Windows/AD authentication.
  • Ensure the SQL Server is accessible over the network from ArcGIS Pro and from the FME machine.
  • Open the correct port (usually 1433) and verify firewall and security settings.

2. Create the Enterprise Geodatabase

In ArcGIS Pro, run the Create Enterprise Geodatabase tool. This will add the necessary geodatabase schema to your SQL database.

Parameters to set:

  • Database Platform: SQL Server
  • Instance: your SQL Server instance
  • Database: your database name
  • Authorization File: your .ecp or keycode file from Esri

Part 2: Register and Publish the Data Store

Once the geodatabase is created, the next step is to register it with Portal and share it as a referenced service.

1. Register the Database as a Data Store

Still in ArcGIS Pro, create a connection to the database and register it with your Portal.

  • Open the Add Data Store dialog
  • Choose the Publisher Database Connection
  • Select the federated server where you want to register it
  • Validate the connection

The data store connection will now appear in ArcGIS Portal. 

2. Share a Referenced Web Layer

Now that the data store is registered, select a feature class from it and publish it as a Referenced Web Layer.

  • Right-click the dataset and choose Share As Web Layer
  • In the dialog, make sure:
    • Reference registered data is selected
    • Feature is selected under Layer Type
    • Enable Edit, Query, and Sync as needed

This layer will serve as the bridge between FME and your Enterprise Geodatabase.

5. Share the Web Layer to a Group (Optional)

If other Portal users (or another account used in FME) need access to the service, share the web layer to a group.

  • In Portal, go to the item and click Share
  • Share it with the appropriate Group
  • Make sure the FME user is part of this group

Part 3: Write to the Feature Service from FME

Once the service is published and shared, FME can be used to write directly to it.

1. Create a Portal Connection in FME

Open FME Workbench, and create a new Web Connection to ArcGIS Portal.

  • Use the same user who published the service, or one who has access via the shared group.
  • Use the ArcGIS Portal (OAuth 2.0) authentication method.

2. Add ArcGIS Portal Writer in FME

In your workspace:

  • Add an ArcGIS Portal Writer (or Reader/Writer pair if needed)
  • Select the Portal Web Connection you just created
  • Browse to the Feature Service (it will appear under the correct group if shared properly)
  • Make an update to the data.
  • Run the workspace

3. Verify Updates in the Database

To confirm your update worked:

  • Open ArcGIS Pro and view the feature class in the Enterprise Geodatabase
  • Or connect to the SQL Server database and run a query on the table

Considerations

Performance: Referenced services can be slower than direct connections. All operations go through the feature service.

Edit Limitations: Referenced layers support basic editing (CRUD). Complex SQL operations are not available.

Permissions: The FME user must have access to the feature service, either as owner or via a shared group.

Stability: Network and Portal availability directly affect performance and reliability.
 

Additional Resources

ArcGIS Documentation

Tutorials & Guides

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