There are significant improvements in ArcIMS 9.2 that make it easier for anyone to author, publish, and serve better dynamic Web mapping applications. This release of ArcIMS also features enhancements to metadata services, the spatial server, documentation, and installation.

New Web Manager and ADF

New tools and layout options provide a cleaner look and allow the focus to be on the map itself.

At ArcIMS 9.2, users can quickly and easily create Web mapping applications. The new ArcIMS Web Manager offers users without developer experience a step-by-step workflow that lets them choose the services and functionality they want to use in the application. ArcIMS has a multiservice architecture designed to support access to ArcIMS and ArcMap image services, as well as services from ArcGIS Server, ArcWeb Services, and Web mapping services. This means that maps from multiple services can be integrated into a single Web application. The Web application's GIS functionality can be easily configured as well, using a list of out-of-the-box tasks, such as Find Address, Search Attributes, Query Attributes, and Find Place. Another great feature of ArcIMS Web Manager is the added flexibility it provides by allowing users to edit the application after it's been published on the Web.

Those who have developer experience can use the Application Developer Framework (ADF) to easily create customized Web applications from scratch or to edit the output from ArcIMS Web Manager. It offers developers access to a full set of mapping-related Web controls (such as map and table of contents controls), tasks, and an API that wraps ArcXML functionality. There are two versions of the ADF: one for the Microsoft .NET Framework and one for the Java platform.

The ADF and Web Manager in ArcIMS are the same as those in ArcGIS Server, providing a common working environment.

Improved User Interface

The Web mapping application has been enhanced to provide a more updated and interactive experience. Also, current technology, including AJAX, provides better performance, such as faster map display. More screen space is allotted for the map itself, and site visitors can customize the space using the dockable elements and collapsible panels, producing a cleaner layout. Visitors also benefit from better map navigation, including keyboard shortcuts, mouse scroll wheel capabilities, and seamless map panning and zooming. In addition, map feature searching is easier, and tools such as MapTips are available.

Faster Metadata Services

Publishing metadata services at 9.2 is simpler and faster and offers more control. It is easier for users to determine which documents they own and can edit, and document properties and information are cached for quick use in applications. The model for searching and using results has been simplified, producing better results. ArcCatalog searches metadata services faster and allows users to author and manage metadata. A new Metadata Explorer offers a clean and organized layout with new and improved search options that make it quicker and more efficient. It has been built with the latest Web technology and a familiar programming model, so it is easier to customize. At version 9.2, ArcIMS continues its conformance to the ISO 19139 metadata standard.

Improved Performance and Security

Improvements have been made to the spatial server and ArcIMS application server to increase performance and security. The spatial server stops processing a request if the application server times out, and the instances for new requests are available more quickly. There are new restrictions for downloading data from map services in the ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap application, and ArcIMS administrators now have the option to disallow data downloading.

ArcIMS 9.2 is easier to install than previous versions since there are separate installs for the Microsoft .NET Framework and the Java platform. In addition, documentation is more easily accessible and has been enhanced with new content and better organization.

It is important to note that ArcIMS 9.2 is fully backward compatible, meaning that all applications created with ArcIMS 9.1 will work in ArcIMS 9.2 without alteration.

Existing ArcIMS users who are current on maintenance will receive a copy of ArcIMS 9.2, as well as a copy of ArcGIS Server Standard, which supports 2D dynamic and cached mapping as well as 3D (globe) visualization.

More Information

For more information, visit www.esri.com/arcims. You can also call Esri at 1-800-447-9778, call your Esri regional office, or contact your local reseller. Outside the United States, contact your local Esri distributor.