Unable to apply the upper() function in an ArcGIS Survey123 Connect XLSForm

Description

The upper() function cannot be applied to convert the input text to uppercase in an ArcGIS Survey123 Connect XLSForm, resulting in inconsistent data formatting that affects data analysis and reporting.

Cause

Although the UPPER function is supported in Microsoft Excel, it is not included among the standard XLSForm functions supported by ArcGIS Survey123 Connect. As a result, it cannot be applied to convert the input text to uppercase. Refer to ArcGIS Survey123: Functions for more information.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the question type used in the ArcGIS Survey123 Connect XLSForm, use one of the workarounds below to convert the input text to uppercase.

Use the Esri custom column for the text question type

1. In ArcGIS Survey123 Connect, open the survey’s XLSForm.
2. In the survey worksheet, locate the row requiring uppercase input.
3. Scroll right to the body::esri:inputMask column and insert the following expression:

>xxxxxxxxxxx

The ‘x’ character represents the maximum number of characters permitted in the column. Specify the preferred number of the ‘x’ character. Refer to ArcGIS Survey123: Input mask for more information.

4. Save and close the XLSForm.

Change the case for the multiple choice question type

1. In ArcGIS Survey123 Connect, open the survey’s XLSForm.
2. In the choices worksheet, ensure the values in the label column requiring uppercase input are in uppercase.
3. Optionally, in the survey worksheet, insert either of the following expressions in the appearance column of the question:

minimal (${<field_name>})

autocomplete (${<field_name>})

Note:
The ‘minimal’ appearance is suitable for short choice lists, while the ‘autocomplete’ appearance narrows the available choices as input is specified. Refer to ArcGIS Survey123: Appearance for more information.

Replace <field_name> with the value in the name column. In this example, ‘food’ is specified.

4. Save and close the XLSForm.

The input for the question is in uppercase.