Develop

ArcWeb Services is a set of GIS Web services, such as mapping, routing, and geocoding, hosted by ESRI. It gives you access to content and capabilities without installing software or maintaining data. Access ArcWeb Services through Web browsers, desktop applications, mobile devices, or APIs.

APIs

ArcWeb Services offers several different client-side and server-side APIs to meet Web developers' needs for rapid deployment, customization, and functionality. You can use more than one API with your application. There are three client-side APIs: ArcWeb Explorer Flex API and ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript API are available for use with the ArcWeb Explorer demo application; the J2ME Mobile Toolkit API is designed for use with Java-enabled devices. Client-side APIs use server-side APIs behind the scenes, such as SOAP and REST for the ArcWeb Explorer Flex API. OpenLS is another server-side API available with ArcWeb Services. View an ArcWeb Services API comparison chart.

ArcWeb Explorer Flex API, a client-side API based on Adobe Flex Builder, allows you to

Quickly build and customize rich Internet applications.
Easily access all ArcWeb Services.
Use the widgets provided, or create your own.
Utilize Flex via the JavaScript to Flex Bridge.
Use ArcGIS, ArcIMS, or GeoRSS Extensions, or create your own.

ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript API is a client-side API designed to customize ArcWeb Explorer, a mapping demo application based on Adobe's Macromedia Flash. The ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript API allows you to

Quickly add maps to your application with minimal development effort.
Take advantage of extensive mapping and geocoding functionality available in ArcWeb Explorer.

J2ME Mobile Toolkit is a Java-based client-side API that offers the ability to

Deploy map requests to Java-enabled devices such as cell phones and PDAs.
Build mapping, routing, geocoding, and point-search applications.

REST offers developers a lightweight, intuitive server-side environment. Use REST if you would like to

Customize map types and navigation.
Send map requests to ArcWeb Services via URL.
Take advantage of the automated data source option, wherein ArcWeb Services automatically selects the most appropriate data source for your requests.

SOAP offers the most functionality and customization of the ArcWeb Services APIs. Server-side with SOAP, you can

Easily communicate with ArcWeb Services in Java, .NET, ColdFusion, or any other programming language.
Perform advanced procedures such as creating thematic maps using ESRI or custom data, merging two map images, and generating reports.
Employ wireless location services and advanced geocoding functionality (batch, reverse, incomplete address, etc.).

OpenLS provides an Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC)-compliant platform for wireless services server-side using XML. With OpenLS, you can

Support geocoding, mapping, locating wireless devices, routing, and finding points of interest.

ArcWeb Public Services

ArcWeb Public Services offers Web developers free access to all the APIs and a large subset of ArcWeb Services content and capabilities. The program is limited to personal, noncommercial work and is valid for one year. Use restrictions apply.

Labs

Labs provides an early look at new products and technologies including new APIs and toolkits, stand-alone applications using emerging technologies, and useful development resources. In the Labs area, you can become a part of the development process, sharing ideas and feedback for the newest ArcWeb Services ideas and products.