Run the Asset Extractor

You use Asset Extractor to read assets automatically from a feature layer endpoint (URL) so they can be added to your PI System. The endpoint must be the address of an Esri ArcGIS Feature Layer that has been exposed using MapServer or FeatureServer. If desired, you can include an Esri-designed query into the endpoint to limit the elements that are selected. For example, you could select all of the elements within a certain city, state, or region rather than all of the elements that exist within a country.

1. If necessary, open PI Integrator for Esri ArcGIS in a browser and select Asset Extractor from the Tools menu.

2. In the Address field, enter a MapServer or FeatureServer address (endpoint).

   The endpoint must point to one specific map layer. A valid endpoint URL must point to a MapServer or FeatureServer and can optionally contain an embedded Esri query.

   If desired, you can enter advanced mode by clicking the link: Or, manually provide feature JSON (advanced). In advanced mode, you can paste the Esri layer definition and feature definition JSON.

3. Click Apply.

   The features are loaded into pages, and the status of the extract is displayed. Be aware that large layers might take a long time to load and can heavily tax the web browser.

4. Click Next.

   The AF output preferences page is displayed.

5. In the list box, select the feature attribute that should be used as the Asset Framework (AF) Element name.

   The name must be a unique field, and it should be a descriptive field; that is, something which is not overly cryptic, if possible. Note that you can always rename fields later using PI System Explorer or PI Builder for Excel. Remember that the element names must be unique.

6. Click Next.

   The Download AF Elements screen is displayed.

7. Click Download.

   The download file contains an XML file and is named {name} database.xml.

The downloaded file is ready for import into PI Asset Framework.

Use PI System Explorer to import the file into a new Asset Framework database. In AF, select File > Import from File.

You can then enrich the assets by adding data, analytics, and other metadata. If any attribute created by the Asset Extractor maps to real-time data, you should edit the Attribute to use the PI Point Data Reference to point to a PI tag.

For more information, see the Asset Framework instructional materials and courses.