GISuser Conference Notes - ArcGIS 9.0, ArcGIS Server, extensions and the road ahead
Written by Glenn Letham
12 August 2004
Once again, we're pleased to provide readers with some notes from the floor of the International ESRI user conference in San Diego, CA. Today we provide some brief notes about ArcGIS Server 9.0, ArcGIs extensions, the road ahead, and some final notes from the floor.
ArcGIS Server 9.0 is a platform for building spatially enabled enterprise applications (i.e. web apps and services) built on industry standards, namely, .Net and J2EE. The primary purpose, to provide for the serving of advanced functionality to multiple users. The bonus; it includes strong APIs (Java, .Net, SOAP/XML) providing for easy implementation and customization using existing developer resources and skill sets.
ArcGIS Server is built from the same core ArcObjects that makeup the Arc Desktop and Engine. ArcGIS server is available for Windows only at 9.0, however, we've been told to expect support for Red Hat Linux and Solaris at 9.0.1
Extensions supported by ArcGIS Sever include:
Spatial Extension - enables server-side spatial analysis of raster data
3D - 3D spatial analysis
Streetmap - street level mapping and address matching
So if you ask yourself why ArcGIS Server?
Provides server-based capabilities
Enables the distribution of IT applications
Full functionality of ArcObjects to the server
Centralized data management
Increased ROI
Remote access to full geodatabase functionality
Supports IT standards
Out of the box tools for developers
A scalable environment
ArcGIS Server is ideally suitable for local, County, and State government agencies currently holding a number of user seats/licenses - particularly those using Blade servers as they are ideally suited for a scalable system. From my perspective, the coolest thing about ArcGIS Server is that it enables users to edit and manage their data and apps using a web browser client.
Look for ArcGIS Server (at 9.0 and beyond) technology to be available in 3 tiers:
Personal Server - lightweight; easy map publishing; based on MapObjects; provides an effective collaboration tool
ArcIMS Server - More ArcObjects technology; provides catalog, metadata, and portal enhancements
ArcGIS desktop 9.0 looks and feels very similar to ArcGIS @ 8.3, however, a number of enhancements have been included. Noteworthy mentions include:
legend now only displays visible layers
fit to margin capabilities
toggle to draft mode
PNG and GIF raster export
toolbars are sorted alphabetically
refresh pause
automatic linking of urls
toolbox comes with ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcGlobe, or ArcScene
Tip: For users who have already installed ArcGIS 9.0, be sure to look for the "What's new in ArcGIS 9.0" document, additionally, while running a session, hitting the F1 key brings up a list of all the new features available in the table of contents.
Cartographic enhancements in ArcGIS 9.0
Loads of movement has been made in this area in a response to the user's common need to produce clear, simple, and elegant output. Coming as a bit of a blow to some partners, the end goal of the cartographic team is to move in the direction where users won't require additional add-on products to complete their cartographically pleasing output. Cartographic enhancements for ArcGIS at 9.0 are enabled through the additional of Maplex to the portfolio of extensions (http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/extensions/)
Some of the noteworthy features provided by Maplex:
improved display, print speed, and quality of output
usability gains
storage of maps within the geodatabase
geometry filters
map generalization tools
feature masking
3D Analyst
3D analyst is an extension for ArcGIS that enables 3D viewing of massive datasets, surface modeling and analysis. Supported 3D data types include TINS, rasters, and 3D vector data types. 3D analyst can be accessed and used in ArcScene - provides the look and feel of ArcMap but a 3D data view pane is provided - and ArcGlobe - data is viewed and represented on a Globe surface - suitable for working with large datasets. Of interest to many users, Globe supports feature layers, raster data layers, CAD, ArcIMS, and map server layers.
Some of the things falling under the "new" category in 3D Analyst include:
true 3D symbology
linking of attributes to drive symbol assignment
3D graphics toolbar
3D animation tools
TIN to raster creation and now supports break lines
Requirements: 3D Analyst runs on Windows NT, 2000, and XP while a minimum 256 MB of RAM is suggested (512 is desirable for Globe), Open GL 1.1 card with min 64 MB RAM, min 1.1 GHz processing speed.
Interoperability
Perhaps one of the biggest announcements concerning ArcGIS 9.0 is the support for a new extension developed by B.C-based Safe software. the Interoperability extension essentially provides users with the ability to
read more than 65 spatial data formats (GML, XML, Autodesk DWG/DXF, MicroStation Design, MapInfo MID/MIF and TAB, Oracle and Oracle Spatial, and Intergraph GeoMedia warehouse), export to more than 50 formats, but even better, users can work with and edit their data in the source projection and eliminate the need for time-consuming data translation. You will definitely be hearing lots about this one - See http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/extensions/datainteroperability/index.html for more info
More on the road Ahead
ArcPad
Currently there are more than 50,000 licensed users of ArcPad. Down the road, users will be greeted with ArcPad 7. some of the noteworthy enhancements we can expect include:
enhanced editing toolbar
improved symbology and editing
enhanced performance
integrated camera support
redline and mark-up tools
streamlined GPS connectivity
integrated forms creation
support for large rasters
ArcGIS
Just released, word has it that there has already been more than 15,000 downloads of SP1 - see esri.com for details. At 9.0.1 expect ArcGIS for Linux and SOLARIS (Beta is currently available). The release will ship in the fall of 2004. Even further down the road, 9.0.2 will have even more focus on quality and users can expect improved compatibility with older version (e.g. Save as 8.3)
Network Analyst (coming at 9.0.2)
Designed to further enable routing, directions, nearest to, and origin/destination functionality, this extension will provide a simpler user interface and an integrated model builder. Network Analyst will be available for desktop, server, and Arc Engine clients.
Given that the ArcGIS suite has now jumped a full release from 8 to 9, there's simply way too much to discuss at this time so I'll leave myself with a bit of work to do on the plane ride home! If I can manage to muster up enough energy after this busy week I'll be providing our readers with more detailed information and updates about ArcGIS 9x, supporting extensions, and some of the many business partner solutions that have been showcased this week. In closing, here's a few quick notes from the floor about some of the business partner solutions being shown here in San Diego.
Trimble - GPS analyst extension for optimizing field-to office workflows. It comes with Trimble's differential correction engine
GeoSmart.net from MoosePoint Technology - a companion product to ArcIMS providing site builder wizards enabling users to build and maintain web apps.
The "Touch Table" - perhaps the coolest thing on display at the conference, the Touch Table enables users to collaborate around a large table surface to view and manipulate geospatial data. Users operate the table by touching the surface. Imagine a large, flat, back-lit surface where you can view high-resolution imagery, access geospatial processing commands, redline, and more. In my chat with Clint Brown this morning he described it as "The Globe I always dreamed of having" - I have to agree! for details see Northrop Grumman (www.ngc.com)
Feature Analyst 3.5 from Visual Learning Systems Inc - Extract shapes and vector features from raster data automatically. Provides batch classification, new clean-up tools and smoothing algorithms, and much more - See www.featureanalyst.com
Tracking Server from Compasscom.com - software to enable integrated mobile tracking from a variety of communication systems. The Compass LDE receives vehicle location information and other data from mobile fleets and assets and communicates/distributes to Tracking Server.
Special mention... you cartography buffs may be interested in getting information about the Ancient Maps on Mexican Talaverna tiles which have been on display at the conference all week. These beautiful maps and works of art are preserved on tile (images to come when I return) - See www.talaveradelaluz.com
Once again, much more info from the floor will follow in the days to come.
Top iPhone related GIS and Geo Tech news stories from 2009 - At the end of the year its always interesting for us to look at some of the stats and results to identify trends and more important, to see what our readers think is hot! In the "news" category it seems that iPhone related geo tech items were extremely popular.
Geo Social Location Checkin to Twitter from iPhone - With the cool SXSW event taking place Austin, TX, everyone who's anyone in social and social location seems to have rolled out updates this week, making your choice for how to check-in to your social media bookmarks even tougher to decide on!
10 Awesome GIS and Mapping apps for the iPhone - I recall last year at the ESRI UC when an iPhone was on stage showing a prototype app (think ArcPad on iPhone). It was then that I realized the iPhone platform is going to be BIG in mapping and there's a ton of opportunity for developers.
Nokia Booklet 3G, unboxing video and image gallery... Those of you in the USA who pop in to BestBuy occasionally, you may have seen a stand showing off the Nokia Booklet 3G. A sleek, 3G enabled, SIM slot (AT&T) sporting netbook.
Interesting Tweeple - 10 Geo Technology & Geo-Social Women of Twitter - given the growing love for geospatial and location-aware technologies, I’ve decided to hype 10 women that I feel make a significant contribution to the Geo-Twittersphere. If you’d like to add 10 knowledgeable and useful Twitter contacts to your Geo following list I highly suggest the following: (in no particular order)
10 Geo Social Location-Aware Apps Making Waves... With Twitter's opening of their location API to developers there's going to be a ton of third party apps that will enable Twitter users to share location-aware information via their Twitter accounts.
Signs that indicate you may be a GeoGeek (aka. GeoNerd) and some suggested Geo blogs - Chances are good that if you are a Geo Geek then you already know it and likely refer to yourself as one. However, there’s many of you out there that may be on the fence and wondering… “am I a Geo Geek?" Read on for a comprehensive list of signs you might be a GeoGeek followed up by some suggested Geoblog reading.
Real-time GPS Mapping and GIS Solution Aids Efficient Disaster Management - Saturday, February 7, 2009 will forever be known as Black Saturday in the State of Victoria, Australia. In the midst of a 10-year drought, a record breaking heat wave descended upon the state, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C (110-120 deg F), breaking all-time record highs in some cities - Victoria Police Use Trimble Juno SC Handhelds to Speed Assessment of Damage Caused by Bush Fires.
2010 ESRI Federal User Conference February 17-19, 2010, Washington D.C. Walter E. Washington Convention Center - The FedUC is the largest geospatial conference for federal agencies. Connect with other leaders, decision makers, and GIS professionals.
The International LiDAR Mapping Forum 2010 - Tenth Anniversary Event! ILMF 2010 will be held from March 3 - 5, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Denver at Colorado Convention Center.
The NAVTEQ 2010 Global LBS Challenge Awards Ceremony will be held during Ignite at O'Reilly Where 2.0. Be among the first to hear as NAVTEQ announces the winners for the North America region. Participants will be competing for a global prize pool of $10 million and growing by showcasing pre-commercial location-enabled apps using NAVTEQ map data & products. March 30, 2010, during Ignite Where, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, at the Marriott San Jose, CA
WHERE2.0 2010 - Now in its sixth year, the Where 2.0 Conference is where the grassroots and leading edge developers building location-aware technology intersect with the businesses and entrepreneurs seeking out location apps, platforms, and hardware to gain a competitive edge. For 15% use Discount Code: whr10lbs
Once again, we're pleased to provide readers with some notes from the floor of the International ESRI user conference in San Diego, CA. Today we provide some brief notes about ArcGIS Server 9.0, ArcGIs extensions, the road ahead, and some final notes from the floor.
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