Product Overview

Publish Maps, Data, and Metadata on the Web

ArcIMS is a server-based product that provides a scalable framework for distributing GIS services and data over the Web. ArcIMS provides Web publishing of GIS maps, data, and metadata for access by many users both inside the organization and outside on the World Wide Web. ArcIMS enables Web sites to serve GIS data, interactive maps, metadata catalogs, and focused GIS applications. ArcIMS users access these services through their Web browsers using HTML or Java applications that are included with ArcIMS. In addition, ArcIMS services can be accessed using many different clients including ArcGIS Desktop, custom applications created using ArcGIS Engine, ArcReader, ArcPad, ArcGIS Server, MapObjects—Java Edition, and a wide variety of mobile and wireless devices.

Why Use ArcIMS?

With ArcIMS you can

• Publish high-quality interactive maps that can be accessed by thousands of people simultaneously over the Internet.
• Integrate data from multiple sources (Internet or local) and serve it on the Web.
• Make your maps, data, and metadata accessible using a variety of clients (mobile, desktop, browser).
• Use the highly scalable server architecture to accommodate growing demand for your services without having to rebuild applications.
• Create a central repository for publishing and browsing metadata.
• Make your GIS content more accessible by publishing metadata about your services.

How Is ArcIMS Used?

ArcIMS is used for GIS Web publishing. Its primary focus is Web delivery of geographic data, maps, and metadata. The following examples illustrate the main application functions of ArcIMS.

Focused application delivery—ArcIMS can be used to deliver GIS to numerous internal users or to external users on the Internet. ArcIMS provides data access and simple, focused applications to users through a Web browser.

Publishing for professional GIS users—Many organizations publish GIS data for GIS professionals both within and outside their organization. Such ArcIMS applications are focused on data sharing between GIS professionals. The intended uses of the data are not necessarily well known ahead of time and can vary from user to user. GIS professionals use the data in their GIS along with other information to accomplish many tasks.

Technology for GIS networks—GIS Web publishing with ArcIMS is often the initial step in the implementation of enterprise GIS. GIS organizations publish and deliver GIS data and services to a broad audience, often across several departments. ArcIMS is important for building all the parts of a GIS network. ArcIMS includes tools for building a GIS portal with a metadata catalog such as search and discovery, data and metadata harvesting, gazetteer functions, and Web mapping applications.

Who Uses ArcIMS?

The geopublishing capabilities of ArcIMS appeal to governments, businesses, and organizations that need to provide geographic-based data and services on the Web both publicly over the Internet and within the organization over an Intranet. ArcIMS is used to provide city and county land use information, real-time traffic information, store location maps, business relocation and home buyer services, and countless other services.