Trace tools have validate consistency parameter defaults which impact trace performance

Description

The default value for the Validate consistency parameter is changing in upcoming ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise releases for the Trace and Add Trace Configuration tools for ArcGIS Utility Network and ArcGIS Utility Network. If you run traces in the utility network or trace network without explicitly setting this parameter in Python or the REST API, this change affects you.

If your Python scripts or REST API calls explicitly set validate_consistency or validateConsistency, respectively, no action is required. Your trace behavior will not change.  Similarly, existing named trace configurations and traces run from the Find Subnetworks pane will not be changed.

Cause

The Validate consistency parameter checks for dirty areas after running a trace before the results are displayed on the map. This check adds additional time to tracing as results must be compared against outstanding dirty areas. For many tracing workflows, the results of a trace are still considered valid even if some dirty areas are detected. Always performing this check added cost without proportional benefit for most use cases. 

Workaround

The Validate consistency parameter in the Trace and Add Trace Configuration tools will default to be unchecked for both the utility network and trace network. 

When this parameter is false, unchecked, or set to DO_NOT_VALIDATE_CONSISTENCY traces will complete successfully even when dirty areas are encountered for features returned by the trace. Consistency checks are run only when you explicitly enable them.

Review your scripts and API calls before applying the patch. If your workflows require consistency checks, set the parameter accordingly.  You can also use the Pro.settingsConfig File to override the new default setting and maintain the previous defaults.  To learn more, see: Boost your Productivity with Tool Parameter Overrides in ArcGIS Pro 3.3 

ArcGIS Pro 3.8 and ArcGIS Enterprise 12.2 will have the default for this parameter updated to not perform consistency checks by default. This change is included in the ArcGIS Pro 3.5.9 patch.

This will also be included in an upcoming ArcGIS Pro 3.7.3 release patch and future ArcGIS Server Utility Network patches for ArcGIS Enterprise 11.5 and ArcGIS Enterprise 12.1. This article will be updated once those release details are confirmed.