Migrate Spatial Alteryx Workflows

PlaidCloud converts Alteryx spatial workflows into Advanced workflows that use Document-backed spatial inputs, SQL geometry logic where appropriate, and managed spatial executors for operations that need specialized geometry processing.

Note

PlaidCloud chooses the simplest reliable route for each spatial operation. Some spatial logic can run as SQL, while nearest-neighbor, overlay, buffering, smoothing, trade area, and similar operations may run through managed executors.

Package Spatial Inputs

Before import, collect every spatial dependency:

• Shapefile groups with .shp, .shx, .dbf, and .prj.
• MapInfo groups with .tab, .map, .id, and .dat.
• KML, GeoJSON, and other spatial files.
• Lookup tables used to join spatial and non-spatial records.
• Expected spatial outputs for validation.

Keep sidecar files together in the same folder before importing.

How Spatial Tools Convert

PlaidCloud uses the best available execution route for each spatial operation:

• Point creation can convert to native geometry creation.
• Spatial metadata can convert to SQL geometry expressions or a spatial transform.
• Spatial matching, nearest-neighbor, overlay, buffer, smoothing, generalization, trade area, and polygon building can run through managed spatial executors.
• Map and report-map outputs can convert to PlaidCloud map or report artifacts.

This lets converted workflows use fast SQL logic when it is sufficient and executor-backed processing when the operation needs broader geometry support.

Validate Geometry

For spatial output parity, compare:

1. Output schema.
2. Row count.
3. Key field values.
4. Geometry values or geometry-derived measurements.
5. Coordinate reference behavior.
6. Accepted tolerance for distances, areas, and simplified geometry.

Row order does not need to match unless the workflow depends on ordering.

Validate Spatial Artifacts

For maps and report maps, confirm:

1. Map layers contain the expected records.
2. Labels and grouped features are correct.
3. Boundaries, points, and polygons appear in the expected locations.
4. The artifact is usable by downstream reviewers.
5. Any intentional cloud-native artifact difference is recorded.

Common Spatial Issues

If a converted spatial workflow does not validate:

• Confirm sidecar files are present.
• Confirm projection files are present.
• Confirm the same source data was used in both runs.
• Review geometry precision and coordinate reference differences.
• Review executor notes.
• Validate the data table behind a map artifact before comparing visual layout.

Related Guides

• Package Alteryx Dependencies
• Validate Alteryx Reports And Artifacts
• Alteryx Conversion Matrix