PROBLEM

The external choice list is unavailable in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app

Last Published: October 20, 2022

Description

Using an external choice list is an ideal option when the choice list is managed outside of ArcGIS Survery123, or if the choice list is large. In some instances, while the external choice list is accessible in ArcGIS Survey123 Connect and the ArcGIS Survey123 field app, the list is unavailable when viewing the survey in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app. Depending on the cause, one of the following error messages is returned:

Error:   
Initializing form… TypeError: Cannot read property 'textContent' of null
Error message returned when viewing the survey in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app.
Error:   
Initializing form… CSV column heading "field_name" cannot be turned into a valid XML element
Error message returned when viewing the survey in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app.
Error:   
Initializing form… Failed to load data from <data_source>
Error message returned when viewing the survey in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app.

Cause

The following are known causes of the issue:

  • The field names in the referenced CSV file contain spaces, special characters, or uppercase characters.
  • The CSV file does not contain the name or label column.
  • The CSV file contains empty columns.
  • The CSV file name does not match the choice list name of the select_one_from_file or select_multiple_from_file question in the survey’s XLSForm.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the cause, use one of the options below to resolve the issue.

Ensure the field names do not include special characters, uppercase characters, or spaces

  • Delete special characters such as forward slashes (/) from the field names.
  • Replace uppercase letters in the field names with lowercase letters.
  • Replace spaces in the field names with underscores.
Ensure the CSV file contains the name and label columns, and does not contain any empty columns
  • The CSV file must contain the name and label columns.
The name and label columns.
  • Remove the empty columns from the CSV file.

Ensure the choice list name in the question type matches the CSV file name

In the XLSForm in ArcGIS Survey123 Connect, ensure the external choice list name in the select_one_from_file or select_multiple_from_file question matches the referenced CSV file. CSV file names are case-sensitive and do not allow spaces.

The external choice list name in the question matching the reference CSV file.

The image below shows the external choice list available in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app.

The external choice list in the ArcGIS Survey123 web app when the reference CSV file is configured correctly in ArcGIS Survey123 Connect.

Article ID: 000025209

Software:
  • ArcGIS Survey123 Connect
  • ArcGIS Survey123 Website

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