ArcWeb Services FAQs

What is a Web service?
A Web service is a standards-based interface available via the Internet for the purpose of exchanging data between applications. Applications access Web services via APIs such as HTTP/REST, SOAP, or JavaScript. Web services are often combined to execute a larger workflow.

Web services are generally used in one of three ways: custom Web applications such as developer APIs, software that consumes a service, or software as a service (SaaS).

I'm new to Web development. Will I understand ArcWeb Services?
Yes, ArcWeb Services provides many tutorials and samples to get you started with Web services. See Tutorials and samples for a complete list of resources. For a quick overview of how to get up and running with ArcWeb Services, see Getting started with ArcWeb Services.

What is ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services is ESRI’s collection of hosted GIS Web services that allows instant access to best-of-breed content (e.g., street data, weather maps, demographic information, and live traffic conditions) and GIS functionality (e.g., mapping, routing, geocoding, and querying). ArcWeb Services also gives you access to a set of tools and applications for building your own content and services.

With ArcWeb Services, you do not need to install, host, or maintain software or data. Services are deployed through standard Web protocols including HTTP, WSDL, UDDI, and XML. You can access the services in the way that makes the most sense to your development needs: SOAP, ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript, OpenLS, REST, J2ME Mobile Toolkit, ArcWeb Explorer Flex, or a standard Web browser. See the API matrix.

What can you do with ArcWeb Services? What types of business problems can be solved by ArcWeb Services?

• Add coordinates to your data.
• Visualize your data using a variety of maps.
• Add mapping and routing to your applications.
• Create store locator applications.
• Create business intelligence applications: who are your customers, where do they live, how do they spend their money?
• Create economic development applications: attract new business to your city.
• Create wireless mapping and routing applications.
• Create tracking and mobile workforce management applications.
• Create differentiated Web 2.0 consumer mapping applications.
• Create emergency preparedness/first responder applications.
• Learn about your Web site visitors; map your Web site traffic.
• Add context to your geodatabases in ArcGIS

Who uses ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services is designed principally for developers wanting to add mapping functionality to desktop, browser, or mobile applications. GIS professionals can use ArcWeb to add context to their geodatabases. End users employ solutions built on ArcWeb Services for analysis and increased productivity.

Why should I consider using ArcWeb Services?
Developers will benefit from the following:

• Easy to use, rapid development, no GIS experience required
• Can build a working mapping application in minutes
• No data licenses to negotiate
• Access to a rich set of data and tools
• Can develop on any platform in any language
• Great documentation and code samples
• Comprehensive online, phone, and e-mail technical support

IT professionals will benefit from the following:

• No data or software to install/maintain
• No extra hardware to buy
• No extra resources to hire and manage
• Simple pay-as-you-go business model
• 99.9 percent availability
• Can eliminate overhead of integrating GIS into a Web site by having ESRI host the entire application

What are the system requirements for the ArcWeb site and Web tools?
The ArcWeb site works best with the following browsers:

• Internet Explorer version 6.0 and higher
• Mozilla Firefox version 1.0 and higher
• Netscape Navigator version 7.0 and higher

What wireless resources does ArcWeb Services offer?
ArcWeb Services offers a SOAP service for locating wireless devices called Wireless Location Web Service and two APIs geared toward wireless developers: OpenLS and J2ME Mobile Toolkit.

What is an ESRI Global Account and why do I need one?
An ESRI Global Account gives you access to all participating sections of the various ESRI Web sites that require a login, such as the discussion forums and knowledge base on the ESRI Support Web site. An ESRI Global Account user name and password are required to activate your new ArcWeb Services account as well as authenticate the user name and password you log in with.

For information on creating a global account, see the Developer's Guide.

What support resources does ArcWeb Services offer?
ArcWeb Services offers the following extensive support resources:

• Detailed online documentation
• Live technical support
• Knowledge base articles
• A glossary
• A user-to-user discussion forum
• Dynamic calculators for determining credit costs
• A metadata tool for seeing information about services (data sources)

Go to the Support section of the ArcWeb site to access these resources.

I'd like to share code with other ArcWeb Services users. How can I do this?
ESRI hosts an online user-to-user discussion forum where you can share information such as code, post questions, or actively help other users by answering their questions. The ArcWeb Services forum is dedicated to providing a timely and open source of user-to-user support.

How compliant is ArcWeb Services with Section 508 accessibility requirements?
In the context of developing GIS applications, developers can programmatically include any accessibility features needed to interface with commercially available assistive technology. However, ESRI has not researched the current availability or feasibility of such technology, in part because we cannot know precisely the needs of your agency.

See esri.com for more information on accessibility in ESRI software products.

Do I need an ESRI Global Account to use ArcWeb Services?
Yes, you need an ESRI Global Account to evaluate and use ArcWeb Services.

What does it cost to use ArcWeb Services?
You purchase credits for your account in blocks of 100,000, at $1,250 per block. As you make ArcWeb Services requests, for example, by creating maps or finding addresses, the appropriate number of credits is deducted from your account. Most requests deduct one credit from your account, some requests (such as generating print-quality reports) deduct more credits, and some are free. You can purchase additional credits at any time.

For complete information on credit usage, see Understanding credits and costs.

How can I tell how many credits I've used?
Log in and access the My Account and Usage Reports pages for detailed information about your credit usage including usage by service type and by group members. See Viewing usage for more information. SOAP developers can also access Account Info Web Service to get credit information.

In addition, ArcWeb sends you e-mails when your credit count is low or your account is close to expiring.

I ordered credits. Why don't they appear on my account?
Ensure you have activated the link to verify your account. Once you have done that, it may take up to 30 minutes for your credits to appear.

What is a credit?
A credit is a charge to access an ArcWeb service. You use credits when you request an ArcWeb service to perform a task, such as find a route. Some requests are free of credit charges. For complete information on credit usage, see Understanding credits and costs.

If my account expires, what happens to my data?
ArcWeb Services stores your data for 30 days after your account expires. After that time, you will need to upload your data when you reactivate your account.

What happens to my old credits' expiration date if I purchase new blocks?
With the purchase of additional blocks of credits, the expiration date of the old credits rolls over to the new expiration date.

Where can I find out more about renewals?
You can extend your credits' expiration date by purchasing additional credits. See How to Renew ArcWeb Services.

I do not use the SOAP API. Why does my account page show credit usage for SOAP services?
All ArcWeb Services are built using pure SOAP, and credit charges are based on these underlying SOAP services. See Understanding credits and costs for details.

How are ArcWeb Services maps priced?
One map typically costs one credit; however, the cost can vary. For example, the cost of a six-inch resolution aerial image from GlobeXplorer is 75 credits to consume on the desktop (1,000 x 1,000 pixels) and 27 credits to consume in a Web browser environment (600 x 600 pixels). See Credit Costs for Each ArcWeb Service on the ArcWeb site.

Why do some geocoding services cost two credits?
ArcWeb Services provides two services for address geocoding: Address Finder and Address Manager.

The Address Finder Web Service allows you to input a street address and receive a candidate list and associated x,y coordinates. You can also input x,y coordinates and receive corresponding street addresses. However, you cannot store the results. Pricing is based on the actual data source used. There is no cost for attempted requests that fail.

The Address Manager Web Service allows you to batch geocode and reverse geocode. You can also store the results locally in your own database and make the data available to other applications. This service is available through a SOAP interface or through the ArcWeb site. The Web solution lets you upload a DBF file with street addresses and download a new file with appended x,y fields. Address Manager charges two times the Address Finder credit charge for each geocoded address or reverse geocoded location. Results can be stored locally and made available to other applications. Pricing is based on the actual data source used. There is no cost for attempted requests that fail.

What is an image tile? What is the cost?
An image tile is either a 256 x 256 or 512 x 512 pixel image, depending on the data source used.  A 1,024 x 768 computer screen will show twelve 256 x 256 or approximately four 512 x 512 image tiles at a time.  For information on available raster tile data sources and their credit costs, see http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/help/index.htm#support/rastertileds.htm and http://api.arcwebservices.com/devguide/awx/v4/index_Left.htm#StartTopic=datasources.htm#|SkinName=aws.

How do you calculate the price for hosting a third-party ArcWeb Services application?
This is dependent on the amount of data involved and the frequency at which the data needs to be updated. Pricing is based on setup costs and users’ access to the site and the data content associated with the application. Contact your account manager for specific information.

Who can I contact for special pricing questions? For example, my customer requires fixed pricing rather than per-credit pricing.
Contact your account manager for specific pricing information.

What is ArcWeb Services—Public Services?
Public Services is an ArcWeb Services account type that gives you free access to a subset of ArcWeb Services. This account, intended for personal, noncommercial, and nongovernmental applications, allows you to develop free-of-cost personal Web-enabled applications for mapping, routing, geocoding, place-finding, and spatial queries. See the ESRI product page for more information. This program has been discontinued and is not available for renewal.

What is ArcWeb Services for Students and Educators?
Students and Educators is an ArcWeb Services account type providing free access to a subset of ArcWeb Services. It is geared toward students and educators who are interested in developing Web-enabled GIS applications for classroom work or research projects. See the ESRI product page for more information. This program has been discontinued is not available for renewal.

Once I sign up for a Public Services or Students and Educators account, how long does my subscription last?
The standard license agreement for ArcWeb Services―Public Services and ArcWeb Services for Students and Educators is one year.

Can I renew my Public Services or Students and Educators account?
No. These program are no longer available for renewal.

How do I use ArcWeb Services securely?
ArcWeb Services is already secure and employs industry-standard authentication and authorization processes to protect your account and your data. For additional security:

• Use HTTPS for REST as well as SOAP WSDL locations.
• For ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript and ArcWeb Explorer Flex APIs, use locally hosted markers.
• Don’t send information you don’t want other people to know.

Can I perform all my work in a secure (HTTPS) environment?
You can choose to use HTTPS for all ArcWeb site transactions. To switch to the secure site, simply replace "http" in the address bar with "https" (before the ArcWeb URL). All future transactions will use HTTPS.

Does ArcWeb Services support WS-Security?
Yes, the SOAP API supports WS-Security. You can use either WS-Security headers or Authentication Web service as your authentication method. ArcWeb Services supports WS-Security 1.0. Please note that only Axis (Java) and .NET toolkits support sending WS-Security headers. Glue and ColdFusion MX do not fully support WS-Security. See Using WS-Security with Axis (Java) and Using WS-Security with .NET for step-by-step instructions for configuring your requests with WS-Security headers.

What does ArcWeb Services mean by authentication?
Any request to an ArcWeb service needs to include validating information that the request is coming from an authorized ArcWeb user. As a SOAP user, you can either authenticate yourself with a time-limited binary string returned from Authentication Web Service or include authentication information via a WS-Security header. See ArcWeb Services authentication for more information.

REST and ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript users take advantage of UserID authentication.

What type of redundancy has ESRI built into ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb servers are powered by a variety of leading-edge technologies for Internet mapping and have a high capacity for mapping and location services. To provide full system redundancy, the servers are supported by and consist of two complete and separate configurations maintained at geographically separate locations.

How reliable are ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services maintains 99.9 percent availability. Servers are geographically redundant with support from highly secure data centers.

Why has ArcWeb Services moved to a new infrastructure?
ArcWeb Services has updated its infrastructure in order to accelerate network performance for users.

What are the impacts of ArcWeb Services moving to this new infrastructure?
The new infrastructure improves the routing of network traffic to our servers and allows for connection and protocol optimization, consistent load balancing, caching compression, and prefetching.

Has the ArcWeb Services URL changed?
No, the URL www.arcwebservices.com has not changed.

What are the security implications of the infrastructure change?
There are no security impacts. All HTTPS communication is still encrypted, and the ArcWeb authentication infrastructure functions as before.

Is there any action on my part required for this change?
There is no action required unless you are relying on ArcWeb having a set of fixed (static) IPs or unless you are using REST 2006.

If you have hard-coded the ArcWeb IPs somewhere (e.g., hosts file, firewall), they must be disabled.

If you are using REST 2006, you need to update your REST v2006 applications to v2006.1. For more information, see Updating your REST v2006 applications to v2006.1.

Why can't I use fixed IPs?
Fixed IPs do not benefit from the new accelerated network infrastructure in which requests are routed to the server closest to your location.

Are my custom application and account settings affected?
No, your custom application and account settings remain intact.

What are Managed Services?
Managed Services provide hosting for your ArcWeb Services applications. Managed Services can create, deploy, and manage your Web services, integrating your custom data, if desired. See ArcWeb Services—Managed Services for more information or contact your account manager.

What are the limits for client data that ESRI can host on my behalf?
ESRI hosting is essentially unlimited. Currently, we are hosting more than 12 TB of data for one of our larger customers. We can also host nonmap data (photos, imagery, text data, etc.).

Will ArcWeb Services host an ArcIMS or ArcGIS Server application?
Yes. For more information, contact your account manager.

What is the difference between ArcWeb Services and ArcGIS Online?
In many ways, ArcWeb Services and ArcGIS Online are similar: they share a common foundation and offer online GIS content and capabilities. The main distinction between the two is the target user: ArcWeb Services is suitable for the Web developer creating or integrating applications, whereas ArcGIS Online is geared toward the ArcGIS user who wants to enhance existing ArcGIS datasets with Web services.

For more information about the differences, view a slide show at http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/demos/aws_ago/arcweb_arcgisonline_skin.swf.

Can I access ArcWeb Services in ArcGIS 9.2?
Yes, ArcGIS 9.2 provides native access to ArcWeb Services.

If I create a custom service in ArcWeb Services, can I access it in ArcGIS 9.2?
No. You cannot access custom map image services created in ArcWeb Services in ArcGIS. However, custom spatial queries are supported.

What is the difference between ArcWeb Explorer and ArcGIS Explorer?
ArcGIS Explorer is a "globe viewer" used to interact with 2D and 3D content. This Windows application can connect to content on ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, and ArcWeb Services. ArcGIS Explorer must be downloaded (approximately 20 MB).

ArcWeb Explorer is a 2D Web mapping application that can be accessed in a Web browser to find locations, get directions, browse maps, and generate reports. Compatible with most browsers and operating systems, it can be quickly embedded in other applications using a simple JavaScript API or the Flex API. ArcWeb Explorer 1.0 requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher; ArcWeb Explorer 4.0 (Labs) requires Flash Player 9,0,28 or higher.

How is ArcWeb Services different from ArcIMS?
ArcWeb Services uses an API to access data hosted on ArcWeb servers. You can perform limited customization with the data and upload some of your own data, but you are always accessing hosted data. ArcIMS is software that lets you host, manage, and serve the data from your own system. With ArcIMS, you have more control over data customization, but you also have increased maintenance and management responsibilities. View a brochure on ArcIMS. 

Can I use ArcGIS Server or ArcIMS together with ArcWeb Services?
Yes, ArcWeb Services can be used as a complement to ArcGIS Server and ArcIMS. Content and functionality available from ArcWeb Services can be combined with your own content in ArcGIS Server and ArcIMS. For example:

• An ArcGIS Server map can be overlaid on an ArcWeb map (or vice versa), with adjustable transparency.
• ArcWeb Services can be used for geocoding or routing, and the resulting information can be overlaid on an ArcIMS map.
• You can use ArcWeb Explorer Flex API Extension for ArcGIS.

What functionality is available in ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services offers the following Web service types:

• Mapping
• Geocoding, batch geocoding, and reverse geocoding
• Find-a-place
• Routing
• Query
• Custom data management
• Demographic reports
• Utility
• Wireless locator

Which APIs are available with ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services currently offers the following APIs: SOAP, REST, ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript, J2ME Mobile Toolkit, OpenLS, and ArcWeb Explorer Flex. See the ArcWeb Services APIs page and the API matrix for more information.

Can I combine my own data with ArcWeb Services applications?
Yes, you can upload data files, create and modify layers, create and modify services, and upload custom map icons to use in map image and spatial query services. The ArcWeb site includes Build Tools that enable users to upload data to the ArcWeb servers and create custom map and spatial query services that use this data. It also allows ArcIMS image service providers to expose their IMS services as ArcWeb services. Developers can use Data Manager Web Service (SOAP) or Directory Service (OpenLS) to manage their data.

Is the address geocoding CASS certified?
Yes, U.S. geocoding is U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certified. CASS is a service offered to mailers, service bureaus, and software vendors that improves the accuracy of delivery point codes, ZIP+4 Codes, five-digit ZIP Codes, and carrier route information on mail.

If I send ArcWeb Services an x,y coordinate, can it return the z?
Yes, the U.S. Elevation Data Spatial Query USGS data source returns elevation in meters.

How are drive-time polygons calculated?
Given a centerpoint with coordinates, a street network with speed attributes, and a drive-time zone limit, the SOAP Utility Web service evaluates the time cost of the start road segment and each adjacent segment, adding its cost to that of the previous segment. After all segments within the zone limit are calculated, a polygon buffer is generated around those segments. The SOAP Utility Web service uses the base street network for zone limits less than 10–15 miles or 15–30 minutes (the range is to differentiate between street densities of urban and rural areas); for zone limits greater than these values, it evaluates the second-level street network (major roads).

Can I create a drive-time polygon with multiple starting points and time intervals in one request?
No. The Utility Web Service method, getDriveTime, supports one starting point per request. See http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/help/soap/2006_1/1u_overview.htm.

What is the ArcWeb Explorer demo?
ArcWeb Explorer is a Web-based map viewing application based on Adobe Flash. ArcWeb Explorer provides access to ArcWeb Services so you can easily find locations by street address, telephone number (land line), and IP address. You can also create a route and directions between locations as well as map locations from Excel spreadsheets. ArcWeb Explorer uses vector mapping technology to render maps quickly. See ArcWeb Explorer 1.0 and ArcWeb Explorer 4.0 (Labs) for more information.

Can I develop my own ArcWeb Explorer application?
Yes. You can use ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript or ArcWeb Explorer Flex to develop your own applications.

Can I develop applications for mobile devices?
Yes, ArcWeb J2ME Mobile Toolkit allows you to create applications for mobile devices such as phones and PDAs. It can run in multiple wireless device operating systems, such as Symbian, Palm, and BlackBerry, as well as in Windows and Linux.

What data is available through ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services offers a variety of content including, but not limited to, the following:

• Aerial and satellite images (worldwide; resolution: 15 m min, 6" in major cities)
• Boundaries for built-up areas, parks, shopping areas, military bases, and educational institutions
• Business demographic data
• Business listings
• Census geography (MSA, county, tract, block group)
• Congressional districts
• Country and regional boundaries
• Earthquake data, updated every five minutes
• Elevation data
• Hydrography (oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams)
• Market segmentation data
• Phone number locations
• Points of interest database (e.g., banks, restaurants, museums, universities, airports)
• Political boundaries
• Postal code boundaries
• Railroads
• Shaded relief maps
• Street data
• Topographic maps
• Traffic data (real time)
• Weather data and maps
• Worldwide gazetteer

For the latest information, visit http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/content.jsp. You can also search for data on the ArcWeb site using the Search box on the top right corner.

Where does ArcWeb Services get its data?
Data is provided by a variety of vendors. See http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/publishers.jsp for a complete list.

What countries and types of geocoding are supported?

• Street-level geocoding is supported in both North America and Western Europe.
• Postal code geocoding is supported in various countries throughout the world.
• In the United States and Canada, additional types of geocoding are available including place, IP, and phone number.

See Geocoding Country Codes for a list of supported countries.

What international data is available?
ArcWeb Services offers street map data for Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There is also a selection of imagery, street, and point-of-interest data from around the world.

Which languages are supported in ArcWeb Services?
The supported languages are based on the specific service being used:

• Geocoding, reverse geocoding, and batch geocoding: Supports the native language of the geocoding country
• Mapping: Supports English for overview data and the native language of the country for detailed data
• Find-a-place: Supports English, with limited support for European languages
• Data management: Supports the native language of the geocoding country
• Query: Supports the same language as User.Defined.POI data source
• Routing: Supports Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swedish

NOTE: All documentation and Web page interfaces are in English.

What ESRI data is available outside ArcWeb Services?
ESRI provides a full spectrum of ready-to-use geospatial data products delivered as either a Web service or packaged media. For details, see www.esri.com/data.

Which ArcWeb Services data packages are no longer supported?
Certain data packages are no longer available for purchase, including ZIP Code-specific downloads for Tele Atlas Canada, Tele Atlas United States, FEMA flood reports, ESRI World Base Maps, and USGS shaded relief. If you have additional questions about these discontinued products, contact arcwebsite_team@esri.com.

How can I explore available content?
On the Build Tools page, click the Browse & Edit Content icon to access the Content Library. Here you can explore all available content using the filter boxes.

View a slide show at http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/learn/slides/1_slideShow.html.

How do I add data?
On the Build Tools page, click the Upload Data and Create Layer icon, then follow the instructions.

View a slide show at http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/learn/slides/3_slideShow.html.

Can I upload lines and polygons as well as points?
Yes. You can upload your own points, lines, or polygons, 10 MB at a time, using SOAP Data Manager Web Service. Point data is supported in DBF format; line and polygon data in SHP format. For larger uploads, ESRI can load the data for you. Contact your account manager.

How long does it take to upload a file?
The process of uploading data to ArcWeb Services can take anywhere from a few seconds to an hour (assuming the file does not exceed the 10 MB recommended file size). The time estimate varies based on the type of file (SHP or DBF), the size of the file, the number of fields, and the server load as well as the number and complexity of features.

NOTE: This is not a guaranteed time estimate but more of a guideline for planning purposes.

Once you provide information about your data and start the upload, you can close the Builder window and perform other work. ArcWeb Services sends you an e-mail when the upload is complete and your data is available.

Can I change the geometry type of data I have uploaded?
Once you upload a data file, you cannot change the geometry type. You need to upload the data file again to change its geometry type.

What types of shapefiles do you support?
You can upload point, multipoint, polyline, and polygon shapefiles.

Can I get imagery through SVG and SWF maps?
No, at this time, SVG and SWF (Flash) maps can only be requested for the data sources listed in the REST documentation under the ds parameter.

Can I request Flash (SWF) and SVG versions of my custom map services?
No, at this time, SVG and SWF maps can only be requested for the data sources listed in the REST documentation under the ds parameter.

At which scales can my layer be shown?
You may not have more than 75,000 points within a 600 x 600 pixel map, so you cannot choose scales that do not fit this criteria.

Can I make my layer visible at all scales?
When you upload data, the layer's valid scale range is based on the number and complexity of the features. If you want a layer to be visible at a larger extent (further zoomed out), use GIS software, such as ArcGIS, to generalize the data, which, in effect, simplifies the data. However, this makes the data less accurate, so it's not as effective at smaller scales (further zoomed in).

You can determine your own scale ranges by creating two layers from your data and generalize one of them. Then, you set the scale range for the generalized layer to show when you are zoomed out, and set the scale range for the detailed layer to show when you are zoomed in.

Can I turn on/off map layers?
Yes. The SOAP, REST, ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript, and ArcWeb Explorer Flex APIs allow you to turn on/off layers with each map image request. Please note that this functionality currently is not available for SVG or SWF (Flash) maps.

Why don't layers display when I add them to my map service?
If a layer does not appear on the map when you add it to a map service, click the layer and examine its scale range. If the scale range of the selected layer does not match the current scale, the layer is not visible. Click any scale that is within the scale range of the layer to view the newly added layer.  

NOTE: The initial view of a map is at the full extent. For many layers, you need to zoom in to view them.

How do I change the name of a layer?

1. In the Build tab, choose Browse & Edit Content to find the layer you want to rename.
2. In the Content Library results page, click the name of the content to display its Summary page.
3. Click the Info tab.
4. At the bottom of the Info tab page, click the Edit Info button.

A page appears where you can change the name and other descriptive information about the layer.

Is there any difference between customizing a layer's styles on the Edit Map page and the Classify Data page?
Yes. Setting up styles during the modify layer process on the Classify Data page sets default styles for that layer. Specifying a style on the Edit Map page overrides the layer's default style for that service only; if the layer is used in other services, the style will not change for those services.   

Can I edit services provided by ArcWeb Services?
Some ArcWeb services provide editing capability. You can click the Edit icon and make changes to the service; however, you are not changing the primary service. Instead, you are creating a copy of the service and customizing that copy to suit your needs.

Can I edit shared services?
You can edit a shared service if you are the owner of the service. You cannot edit services that you don't own. During the editing process, ArcWeb Services keeps track of your changes in a temporary location. When you save the changes, the system updates the shared service to reflect the changes.

How can I tell how many credits a service uses?
The Support section of the ArcWeb site contains a credit calculator that lets you quickly determine the credit costs for any service. There is also a SOAP credit calculator, which allows you to see credit costs for specific requests to ArcWeb service types and methods.

Why is the data source name different from the service title?
The service title is an easily recognized and easy-to-remember working name utilized by ArcWeb Services in places such as the Publisher pages. The data source name is the technical name used for developer access; it has to follow a specific format.

How do I change the name of a service?

1. In the Build tab, choose Browse & Edit Content to find the service you want to rename.
2. In the Content Library results page, click the name of the content to display its Summary page.
3. Click the Info tab.
4. At the bottom of the Info tab page, click the Edit Info button.

A page appears where you can change the name and other descriptive information about the service.

If I create a custom service in ArcWeb Services, can I access it in ArcGIS?
No. You cannot access custom map image services created in ArcWeb Services in ArcGIS. However, custom spatial queries are supported.

Why can't I use a style sheet for all services?
Not all services use style sheets. Only a few services are configured to appear with different styles.

How can I create styles that I can reuse?
You can upload an image (GIF or JPG) to represent features in your custom data. See Uploading symbols for more information.

You create custom styles when you are modifying a layer or building map services. To create a style, you need to base your new style on an existing style. For step-by-step instructions, see Creating styles.

Once I upload a symbol, how can I find it?
When you upload a symbol, ArcWeb Services creates a style with the same name as the image file. You can use the Content Library (choose Browse & Edit from the Build tab) to view the new style in the library. In the Content Library, use the filter boxes to find the style; you cannot locate a style using the keyword search feature.

Can I use my custom markers in SVG and SWF maps?
User-uploaded icons and user-created services are not supported in SVG and SWF (Flash) maps. See REST icons for a list of supported icons for SVG and SWF SOAP maps. For ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript and ArcWeb Explorer Flex, you can overlay your custom markers on top of your SWF maps.

Why do maps with the same style sheets look different sometimes?
Because of the differences in the technology that creates the maps, the style sheet appearance differs between map formats. Style sheets vary between the following formats:

• Vector formats (generated by ArcWeb Explorer and REST)
• Raster formats, such as JPG, GIF, and PNG (generated by ArcWeb map services

Why do tilde characters (~) appear after style names?
If you modify an ArcWeb style, ArcWeb adds a tilde to the style's original name if no name is provided. Each time you modify the style without providing a new name, ArcWeb creates a new style and adds another tilde to the name to distinguish it from previous versions. To avoid tilde characters in style names, provide a meaningful name for each style you create.

What is the ArcWeb site?
The ArcWeb site, located at www.arcwebservices.com, is a Web site that provides users and potential users with information about ArcWeb Services data and functionality. It includes tools for users to upload their own data, build their own custom services, and manage their account. Users can also access documentation, demos, and sample applications. See Navigating the ArcWeb site.

What are some special features of My Account?
On the My Account page on the ArcWeb site, you can take advantage of the following:

• Group access to accounts―More than one employee (user name) can be associated with the same ArcWeb Services account.
• Ability to allocate credits―Groups of users can share a single pool of ArcWeb Services credits, or credits can be allocated specifically to each user.
• Custom usage reports―You can request a usage report for any span of time, for an individual user or the entire group.

How can I find definitions to common terms used on the ArcWeb site?
The Support area of the ArcWeb site provides a glossary that includes definitions of ArcWeb Services and general GIS terms. It is designed to give you a quick explanation of a word or phrase. To access the glossary, click the Support link in the upper-right corner of an ArcWeb window, then click the glossary icon. The glossary lets you browse terms or look up terms by letter or keyword.

How do I migrate to a new version of an API?
Find an API migration path that suits you at http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/help/index_Left.htm#StartTopic=soap/migrate_options.htm#|SkinName=ArcWeb, then go to http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/help/index_Left.htm#StartTopic=soap/update.htm#|SkinName=ArcWeb for instructions on updating your applications.

Why should I migrate?
There are many advantages to upgrading:

• Greater functionality
• Additional content
• New API options
• Much higher performance (particularly vector maps)
• Bug fixes

Why are there several different APIs?
ArcWeb Services provides developers with mapping and GIS Web services through a set of APIs that can be integrated easily into any Internet-enabled application.

Type of application	Consider this API
Easy and powerful ArcWeb integration	ArcWeb Explorer Flex
Rapid deployment	ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript
Mobile applications for Java-based handsets	J2ME Mobile Toolkit
OpenGIS-compliant mobile deployments	OpenLS
More detailed map control—easy deployment	REST
Full control/Full functionality	SOAP

ArcWeb Explorer Flex
ArcWeb Explorer Flex API is designed for developers who want to get a working Web-based mapping application up and running without spending a significant amount of time developing code. The ArcWeb Explorer Flex API allows for easy and powerful ArcWeb integration inside Adobe Flex Builder; it allows developers to easily access all ArcWeb Services, as well as to customize or build applications like ArcWeb Explorer.

ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript
With the ArcWeb Services JavaScript API, developers can embed interactive Adobe Flash-based vector maps into a Web application with just a few lines of code and rapidly deploy them. This API uses JavaScript function calls, a JavaScript library, and widgets to encapsulate the more complex functionality and allow developers to build mapping applications with desktoplike functionality.

J2ME Mobile Toolkit
J2ME Mobile Toolkit is an open API used to build applications for Java-enabled handheld devices such as PDAs and cell phones. These applications can send requests for maps, geocoding, routing, address mapping, and searches for nearby locations, such as restaurants or banks, using ArcWeb Services. The main purpose of the toolkit is to hide implementation-specific details from developers.

The toolkit is a set of classes based on Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) and the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP). Applications built using the toolkit will run on devices that support MIDP 2.0. XML-based services combined with the wireless application platform provide a rich environment for building browser-based applications for Java-enabled handheld devices.

OpenLS
The ArcWeb Services OpenLS API provides access to the core services and abstract data types that comprise the GeoMobility Server, an open location services platform for wireless Web services defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. OpenLS consists of XML requests and responses that are sent to a specific URL using HTTP POST.

REST
The ArcWeb Services REST application programming interface is a URL-based environment for integrating and viewing ArcWeb Services maps in Macromedia Flash (SWF), scalable vector graphics (SVG), PNG, and JPEG formats. The ArcWeb Services implementation of REST takes advantage of vector mapping technology and provides a simple alternative to the SOAP protocol. Because there is no intermediate SOAP layer, a developer does not need to work with a SOAP toolkit to interact with REST. Instead, the user makes direct calls to the API.

SOAP
The most comprehensive ArcWeb Services API is based on SOAP. SOAP is a W3C specification that allows computers to communicate independently of an operating system or platform by using HTTP and XML. SOAP lets developers communicate with ArcWeb Services in any language including Java, .NET, or ColdFusion.

The ArcWeb Services SOAP API uses Web Service Description Language (WSDL). WSDL is used to describe networked XML-based Web services. It provides developers with a simple way to describe the basic format of requests without having to worry about the underlying protocol or encoding.

 

How does ArcWeb Services support Adobe Flash and Adobe Flex?
ArcWeb Services creates Adobe Flash files (SWF format) using the SOAP and REST APIs. The ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript and Flex APIs use SWF files created by REST API.

While it is possible to connect to ArcWeb Services using Adobe Flash Professional since it supports Web services, this development environment is not officially supported by ESRI. Adobe Flex Builder 2.0.1 can be used with the Flex API.

ArcWeb Explorer is a demo application that shows the types of rich media applications that can be developed using ArcWeb Services. ArcWeb Explorer 1.0 requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. ArcWeb Explorer 4.0 (Lab) requires Adobe Flash Player 9,0,28 or higher.

The ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript API is for JavaScript/HTML developers. It is not designed for integration into Flash applications built using ActionScript or for integration into Adobe Flash Professional and Adobe Flex applications.

The ArcWeb Explorer Flex API is for Flex developers using Adobe Flex 2.0.1.

To use Flash maps within ActionScript or Flex directly, generate the Flash maps using the SOAP or REST API, preferably through your own middleware. ESRI Implementation Services can assist you with this activity.

Can I use local data with ArcWeb Explorer?
No, local data cannot be displayed in ArcWeb Explorer. There are several ways to use your own data with ArcWeb Explorer:

• You can upload your data to the ArcWeb site using either the Build tab on the ArcWeb site or the Data Manager Web Service.
• You can use your own ArcIMS service if it is proxied as an ArcWeb data source (accessible from the ArcWeb servers).
• For point data or simple lines/polygons, if the data is available on a Web server and in an XML format (e.g., KML or GPX), your application can use AJAX to connect to your data and display it in the browser (similar to an "acetate" layer).
• When using ArcWeb Explorer Flex API, if the data is available via ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, or GeoRSS, you can use the API Extensions to display the data.

Why do I need to use an API Key if I’m using the ArcWeb Explorer Flex API Extension for ArcGIS, ArcIMS, or GeoRSS?
You need an API Key for authentication purposes.

How much does it cost to use ArcWeb Explorer Flex API Extensions?
There is no charge to use ArcWeb Explorer Flex API Extensions to connect to your own ArcGIS or ArcIMS services. However, you will need to register your site and use an API Key for authentication purposes. You will be charged if you connect to ArcWeb Services using ArcWeb Explorer Flex API Extensions.

What is ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript?
ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript is designed for developers who want to get a working Web-based mapping application up and running without spending a significant amount of time developing code. ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript provides access to ArcWeb Services content and a powerful subset of ArcWeb Services functionality. ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript is designed primarily to enable easy integration of mapping functionality and content into HTML Web applications.

Does ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript support GeoRSS?
ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript 1.0 can plot GeoRSS feeds on your map. You can enter a GeoRSS URL in the ArcWeb Explorer Find widget.

The URL should begin with “feed://” (replace “http” in the URL with “feed”). For example:

feed://earthquake.usgs.gov/recenteqsww/catalogs/eqs7day-M5.xml

See W3C Basic Geo Vocabulary for details on the GeoRSS standard supported in ArcWeb Explorer JavaScript API.

What is the J2ME Mobile Toolkit?
The ArcWeb J2ME Mobile Toolkit is an open API to build applications for Java-enabled handheld devices. The ArcWeb J2ME Mobile Toolkit consists of a Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME) toolkit. See Using J2ME Mobile Toolkit for more information on using J2ME Mobile Toolkit to access ArcWeb Services.

How can I develop applications for mobile devices using the ArcWeb J2ME Mobile Toolkit, and what is the advantage of using it?
ArcWeb J2ME Mobile Toolkit can run on many phones and PDAs. It can run in multiple wireless device operating systems, such as Symbian, Palm, and BlackBerry; it can also run in Windows and Linux.

There is no requirement to set up the server and hosting. All the data and capabilities of ArcWeb are available and ready to use through the J2ME Mobile Toolkit, including the use of custom services. Other benefits include the following:

• The toolkit can run disconnected.
• Data can be available to edit live through the wireless application.
• The toolkit is optimized to minimize round-trips to the server.

More information can be found at http://www.arcwebservices.com/v2006/help/index_Left.htm#StartTopic=mobiletoolkit/overview.htm#|SkinName=ArcWeb.

Why does my account page show credit usage for SOAP services?
All credit charges are based on the underlying SOAP service. See Understanding credits and costs for details.

What is OpenLS?
OpenGIS Location Services (OpenLS) is a protocol that provides access to the core services and abstract data types (ADT) that comprise an open location services platform defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. OpenLS allows seamless access to multiple content repositories and service frameworks that work across many different networks and devices. OpenLS ArcWeb Services support versions 1.0 and 1.1 of the OpenLS Specification. See Using OpenLS for more information on using OpenLS to access ArcWeb Services.

I only use OpenLS services. Why does my account page show credit usage for SOAP services?
All OpenLS service charges are based on the underlying SOAP service. See Understanding credits and costs for details.

Why do I get the exception "Unable to generate XML response"?
The most likely cause is that one of the request’s attribute values is invalid.

What is REST?
Representational State Transfer (REST) is an inherently lightweight and intuitive environment for creating ArcWeb Services maps in Macromedia Flash (SWF), Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), PNG, and JPG formats. The ArcWeb Services implementation of REST takes advantage of vector mapping technology and provides an alternative to the SOAP protocol. Simply send a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request to a uniform resource locator (URL) with the map criteria you want and get back a map in your browser. See Getting a REST map for more information about using REST to view maps.

What is the difference between using REST and SOAP to create map images?
The ArcWeb Services implementation of REST takes advantage of vector mapping technology and provides a simple alternative to the SOAP protocol. Since there is no intermediate SOAP layer, you do not need to work with a SOAP toolkit to interact with REST. Instead, you make direct calls to the API through a Web browser by creating a URL that contains all the mapping criteria you want, and you get back a map. See Getting a REST map for details.

I only use REST. Why does my account page show credit usage for SOAP services?
All credit charges are based on the underlying SOAP services. See Understanding credits and costs for details.

Can I get imagery in REST maps?
Yes, REST v2006.1 permits you to create raster tile maps using a getTile request. See Raster tile parameters for request parameters and available data sources.

Can I use custom map services in REST maps?
No, only selected data sources are available for REST maps. 

Can I use my custom raster markers in REST maps?
No, user-uploaded icons and user-created services are not supported in REST maps. See REST icons for a list of supported icons for REST maps.  

Can I turn layers on and off in REST map requests?
REST v2006.1 mapping supports turning layers on and off in a request. For details, see the layer parameters for a getMap request.

I'm a Public Services user. Can I access REST mapping?
Yes, you have full access to REST mapping.

How do I send a REST request using the HTTP POST method?
To send an HTTP POST request, keep the name of the HTML element the same as the REST parameter name.

For example:

<INPUT TYPE="textbox" NAME="c" value="-117|34">

In this example, a text box with the name "c" corresponds to the center point parameter "c," and its value "-117|34" corresponds to value of the parameter c. Note that this element should be contained in an HTML Form Element and the HTML Form Element should have an action pointing to "<http://www.arcwebservices.com/services/v2006_1/restmap>?" See REST mapping parameters for details on the parameters.

What is the difference between HTTP GET and HTTP POST?
In HTTP GET, the data is encoded into a URL to send it to the server while, in HTTP POST, data (HTML Form data) is transferred to the server within a message body.

What is the character limitation for an HTTP GET request URL?
Some browsers have character limitations for URLs. Internet Explorer has a 2,000-character limit. The latest version of Mozilla Firefox has an 8,000-character limit.

When I create a REST URL using JSP, ASP, or JavaScript and display it on an HTML page, the REST URL containing the &pi parameter is matched to the greek pi symbol (22/7). How can I fix this?
Use "&amp;pi" instead of &pi or perform URL encoding.

NOTE: This is not a problem with the Internet Explorer browser.

Why do I see the download dialog box when I request maps in SWF or SVG format?
SWF and SVG require plug-ins. See the Adobe Web site to download the SVG plug-in.

What should the format be for the numeric values sent in a REST request?
The decimal separator should always be dot ("."), and there should be no digit grouping character. This applies to systems set to any locale.

Why does my browser hang when I set the projection string for the OCS parameter in my REST URL?
If projection string is used for the OCS parameter, then replace double quotes (") with %22 before sending the request. Otherwise, the map will not be rendered in the browser.

Are the REST parameter names and their predefined values case sensitive?
Yes, REST parameter names and values are case sensitive, which is important to remember when you create your request. If your REST URL contains the wrong case, you will receive an error.

What is SOAP?
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) is a W3C specification that allows computers to communicate independently of an operating system or platform by using HTTP and XML. SOAP toolkits let you easily communicate with ArcWeb Services using any programming language. With a toolkit, all you need to use ArcWeb Services is authorization to access ArcWeb Services and the WSDL location. The toolkits let you to see the available methods, parameters, and parameter types for each service. More important, the toolkits allow you to send requests in your favorite coding environment. See Using SOAP for more information about using SOAP to access ArcWeb Services.

What SOAP toolkits can I use with ArcWeb Services?
ArcWeb Services are built using pure SOAP, so you can use any toolkit that supports SOAP including Apache Axis (Java), webMethods Glue (Java), Visual Studio (VB.NET or C#), and ColdFusion MX. See SOAP toolkit tutorials for details about using these toolkits.

Are SOAP tags case sensitive?
Yes, SOAP tags are case sensitive, which is important to realize if you are accessing ArcWeb Services through HTTP POST. If you are working with a Web services toolkit, you probably do not need to worry about this. See SOAP requests and responses for examples.

Why can't I view the complete WSDL?
Some Netscape browsers do not support direct viewing of XML files. If the full WSDL XML does not appear in your browser window, click View and click Page Source (or the equivalent). You should then be able to view the WSDL.

Some error messages contain text in parentheses. What does this text tell me?
SOAP error messages are designed to help you fix invalid requests to ArcWeb Services. If you include a value that a service doesn't recognize, it will return a message that includes valid values in parentheses. Go back to your request and ask for one of the options from the list in parentheses.

An example of this type of message is: Invalid map image format 'JPG2'. MapImageOptions.mapImageFormat not (png, png8, gif, jpg). For mapImageFormat, your requested value should be "png", "png8", "gif", or "jpg".

What does the error message "java.lang.NoSuchMethodException" mean?
Some errors do not have specific messages associated with them. The error message "java.lang.NoSuchMethodException" means you have either pointed to the wrong ArcWeb service or omitted or mistyped a required part of the method (e.g., placeName in the findPlace method). Go back to your request and make sure the service name and method names are correct.

Why do I get an expired token error when I use WS-Security?
You might get unexpected expired token errors if you have not enabled Network Time Protocol (NTP) on your client system. Enabling NTP ensures that your system's clock is synchronized with other NTP-enabled clocks, including the ArcWeb clock. For more information on NTP, see http://tf.nist.gov/service/pdf/win2000xp.pdf or http://www.akadia.com/services/ntp_synchronize.html.