The most appropriate action is to create a service definition file (.sd). This is the standard Esri workflow for disconnected or offline publishing. A service definition file allows the analyst to configure all service properties, define capabilities like editing, and package the data (if not referencing an enterprise geodatabase) without a direct connection to ArcGIS Server. The resulting .sd file is a portable package that can be transferred to a portal administrator who has the necessary connection and privileges to upload and publish the service to the specified ArcGIS Server. This method directly addresses the core constraint of the analyst not having a server connection.

B. Change the privileges on their user role to allow publishing

This is incorrect because the fundamental issue is the lack of a network connection to the server, not user privileges. Enhanced privileges cannot overcome a physical or network-level disconnection.

C. Upload the layer to the portal as a layer package file and add it to a web map

This workflow creates a hosted feature layer on the portal's designated hosting server. It is not a general solution for publishing to any specified ArcGIS Server and does not support referenced services. Option A is more versatile and directly fits the classic disconnected publishing pattern.

1. Esri ArcGIS Pro Documentation

"Introduction to saving a service definition": "A service definition allows you to preconfigure the properties of a service and share it with others to publish at a later time. This is useful in a number of workflows

such as when you are disconnected from the server or when you want to keep a record of the service configuration." This source directly validates the use of a service definition file for disconnected workflows.

2. Esri ArcGIS Pro Documentation

"Publish a service definition": This document outlines the process

stating

"You can create a service definition in a disconnected state from the server and share it with an administrator who can publish it later." This confirms the workflow described in option A.

3. Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Documentation

"User roles and privileges": The documentation on portal roles (e.g.

Publisher

Administrator) shows that privileges are for performing actions within the system. They do not grant network connectivity where none exists

making option B incorrect.

4. Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Documentation

"Publish hosted feature layers": This document details how various items

including layer packages (.lpkx)

can be used to publish services. It clarifies that this process creates hosted layers

which are published to the portal's configured hosting server

confirming the limitation of the workflow in option C.