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Keynote Session SOAP vs. REST: Complements or Competitors?

2009 Developer Summit

The 2009 Developer Summit Proceedings is a compilation of professional abstracts and presentations delivered March 23–26, 2009 in Palm Springs, California. ESRI users contributed a fundamental part to the conference by submitting and presenting their presentations on a diverse collection of GIS applications. The proceeds promote GIS application by stimulating users to share their experiences and knowledge.

Presummit Seminar

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Designing and Developing Geoprocessing Tools with ArcGIS
—Bill Moreland, Dale Honeycutt
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This session is for developers who are interested in leveraging the geoprocessing framework and associated Python and ArcObjects Software Developer Kit (SDK) to build well-designed tools. It will look at how the new geoprocessing features in ArcGIS 9.3 can be used to simplify tool development. Demonstrations, including code examples using Python and .NET, will be used to illustrate the development techniques and best practices that should be implemented in this framework. The major topics will include how to set script tool parameters and their properties as well as how to provide custom behavior for tools when used with ArcGIS Desktop. Custom behavior includes the enabling and disabling of parameters, providing default parameter values, updating parameter value descriptions of output data, allowing tools to work seamlessly in ModelBuilder, and improving an organization’s overall efficiency when working with ArcGIS.

Prerequisites: Geoprocessing tools, Python, .NET

Developer’s Guide to the Geodatabase
—Colin Zwicker, Craig Gillgrass, James MacKay, Jessica Parteno
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This seminar will describe the geodatabase and its role in providing data access to the ArcGIS system. Key concepts and an overview of the geodatabase architecture will be presented. Attendees will learn the key elements of the geodatabase API; how it can be used to access a variety of formats; and best practices and patterns for accessing data, querying, editing, and data loading.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of geodatabase terms and concepts; code examples shown in C#

Introduction to ArcGIS Explorer 900
—Andy MacDonald and Jeff Jackson
ArcGIS Explorer marks a significant new release featuring a completely new user interface, a variety of new customization and deployment options, and a new software developer kit (SDK). This session will introduce the product, the overall capabilities of ArcGIS Explorer, and how it fits into the family of ArcGIS and online products. It will also provide an overview of how developers can customize the product with add-ons and application configurations and by using the .NET-based SDK. Please note that these features will be discussed in more detail in the technical sessions.

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to ESRI’s Developer Technologies
—Allan Laframboise, Andy Gup, Jim Barry, Kevin Deege
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ArcGIS is ESRI’s complete system for authoring, serving, and using geographic information. This session will introduce the ArcGIS suite of developer technologies and illustrate the role of ArcGIS in a GIS implementation from a client, server, and database perspective. Gain insight into the software development toolkits and APIs, including .NET, Java, JavaScript, and Flex, as well as other ESRI resources. This knowledge will help developers get started building desktop applications, multiuser Web applications, and geodatabase and geoprocessing applications. This is a foundation session that provides context for other sessions in the presummit seminars and in the summit.

Prerequisites: None

Technical Sessions

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A Developer’s Guide to ArcGIS Server
—Ismael Chivite
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This session will discuss the different choices available for building Web applications on top of ArcGIS Server. This includes the Web ADFs (.NET and Java) and the lightweight APIs (Flex and JavaScript). The presenters will describe what these different options do and why developers should pick one or the other. Strategies for extending ArcGIS Server with additional functionality will be described as well.

Prerequisites: None

An Overview of the ArcGIS JavaScript APIs
—Jayant Sai, Jeremy Bartley
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ArcGIS Server 9.3 introduced the ArcGIS for API JavaScript and ArcGIS JavaScript extensions for Google Maps and Virtual Earth that are powered by a REST API. This session’s attendees will learn about these APIs and explore the online SDKs. The main focus will be to show developers how to build applications with each of the JavaScript APIs by walking participants through the online samples in the SDK and covering best practices.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, JavaScript, HTML

ArcGIS Server Performance and Scalability— Performance Factors and Optimization
—Andrew Sakowicz, Eric Miller, Frank Pizzi
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This session will focus on analyzing key performance factors and the root cause of typical performance problems when deploying ArcGIS Server. This knowledge can be used to implement costeffective system improvements that will lead to higher productivity and user satisfaction. Using a bottom up approach, we will identify critical components (e.g., data sources, geodatabase, geoprocessing, map documents, application, system architecture design, hardware, virtualization) and quantify how optimization of these components impacts overall performance and scalability.

Prerequisites: None

Best Practices for Designing Effective Map Services
—Sterling Quinn, Tom Brenneman
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This session will explain how to prepare an existing ArcMap document for optimal performance on the Web. The presenters will demonstrate how to use the new 9.3.1 optimized map service for ArcGIS Server. They will also discuss when it is appropriate to use additional techniques for quickly publishing maps such as creating tile caches or displaying data with client-side graphics. Attending this session before the Advanced Map Caching Topics session is highly recommended.

Prerequisites: None

Building .NET Applications Using the ArcGIS Server Web ADF
—Rex Hansen, Richard Zwaap
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ArcGIS Server includes a Web Application Development Framework (ADF) for the Microsoft .NET framework that enables integration of GIS functionality into Web applications. This session will introduce and discuss different parts of the Web ADF, which includes GIS Web controls, an ADF JavaScript library, support for multiple data sources, rich client graphics APIs, and a task framework for packaging and integrating custom logic within the ADF architecture. Patterns for utilizing the Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX framework, on which the ADF is based, will also be presented.

Prerequisites: Proficiency in ASP.NET development techniques and a basic understanding of ArcGIS

Building and Extending Tasks for ArcGIS Server—Java Web Applications
—David Cardella, James Gough
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ArcGIS Server includes a Web Application Development Framework (ADF) for the Java platform that enables integration of GIS functionality into Web applications. This session will introduce and discuss different parts of the Web ADF, which includes GIS Web controls, an ADF JavaScript library, support for multiple data sources, and a task framework for packaging and integrating custom logic within the ADF architecture. Through code samples, best practices, and tips and tricks, attendees will learn how to customize the out-of-the-box tasks provided with the ADF, explore core task framework concepts, and leverage the ADF to build and deploy custom tasks.

Prerequisites: Java

Building Geoprocessing Tools with Python
—Bill Moreland, Dale Honeycutt
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This session is intended for developers who are interested in leveraging the geoprocessing tools and framework and existing Python SDK to build geoprocessing tools. The session will look at how the new Python improvements in ArcGIS 9.3 can be used to simplify tool development and build a well-designed tool. The major topics covered will include the advantages of script tools, how to create script tools in ArcGIS Desktop using the script tool wizard, running tools in process versus out of process, how to use the ToolValidator Python class for updating the description of output data, allowing tools to work seamlessly in ModelBuilder and improve an organization’s overall efficiency, and how to document and correctly package tools for sharing. We recommend attending this session before the Python Scripting—Advanced Techniques session.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Python, geoprocessing

Building Your First Rich Internet Applications with ArcGIS API for Flex
—Antony Jayaprakash, Bjorn Svensson
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At ArcGIS 9.3, the new ArcGIS API for Flex enables developers to write visually rich and engaging ArcGIS Server applications that run inside the Adobe Flash player. Attendees will learn how to build their first Flex-based ArcGIS Server Web application. The presenters will provide an introduction to the API, discuss topics on how to get started, and share ways to get more help from the Flex community. No prior knowledge of the Adobe Flex framework is required.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server and basic Web programming skills

Custom Raster Format Support in ArcGIS through GDAL
—Frank Warmerdam
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ArcGIS has been using the Geospatial Data Abstract Library (GDAL) as its primary raster I/O library for reading and writing raster datasets of different formats since 9.2. ArcGIS via GDAL provides an open framework for third parties to extend raster format support. In this session, the developer is taken through all the steps necessary to implement a custom raster format in ArcGIS using C++. The session will include a discussion of the GDAL data model, how this maps to ArcGIS, and how aspects of the data model are returned from a GDAL driver.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of raster data and C++

Developing .NET Applications for ArcGIS Engine
—Kylie Donia, Mary Harvey
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ArcGIS Engine offers a complete solution for building GIS applications with .NET. The product contains a rich set of software components and an accompanying software developer kit (SDK) that .NET developers can use to build many different specialized applications. The ArcGIS Engine SDK for .NET includes a number of tutorials for getting started, migration documents, and how-to help topics as well as a set of integrated Visual Studio .NET tools that enable developers to be more productive with everyday programming tasks. This session will introduce ArcGIS Engine to .NET developers and illustrate how the software can be used to build a number of real-world applications out of the box with very little programming.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, .NET

Developing Java Applications with ArcGIS Engine
—Eric Bader, Steven Rozic
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ArcGIS Engine offers a complete solution for building GIS applications with Java. The product contains a rich set of software components and an accompanying software developer kit (SDK) that Java developers can use to build many different specialized desktop or embedded applications. The ArcGIS Engine SDK for Java includes a number of tutorials for getting started, migration documents, and how-to help topics as well as a set of integrated Eclipse tools that enable developers to be more productive with everyday programming tasks. This session will introduce ArcGIS Engine programming techniques to Java developers and illustrate some real-world application case studies including multithreaded ArcGIS Engine applications, applying best practices for Swing and ArcObjects programming, and dynamic display of geographic data.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, Java

Effective Geodatabase Programming
—Brent Pierce, Erik Hoel
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ArcGIS developers build applications that can access and interact with a geodatabase. This session will cover key ArcObjects programming techniques and APIs that must be employed when developing high-performance geodatabase applications. This session will focus on issues that will allow developers to be more efficient, write less code, and save time. Topics will include the correct and efficient use of the cursor model, how and when to implement feature class extensions, and how to work with the new extension datasets (network datasets, terrains, cadastral fabrics, and representation classes). Code examples will be shown in C#, Java, and C++.

Prerequisites: Geodatabase programming, information models, .NET

Enhancing Your Applications with ArcGIS Online
—Deane Kensok
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ArcGIS Online offers a family of Web-based content and services that enhance and extend the ArcGIS user experience. ArcGIS Online services support functions such as mapping, geocoding, routing, and reporting. In this session, developers will learn how to access and utilize ArcGIS Online services to enhance their applications. ArcGIS Online offers click-to-add content services as well as source data retrieval to enrich ArcGIS applications. It also provides task services, such as geocoding and routing, which users can execute directly from ArcGIS applications or from custom Web applications. This session will describe and demonstrate what services are currently available and how they can be used in your ArcGIS software-based applications.

Prerequisites: None

Extending the ArcGIS Desktop Applications
—Katy Dalton, Kevin Deege
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The ArcGIS Desktop applications, including ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcGlobe, all share a common application framework. Developers can extend these applications with custom buttons, tools, windows, and extensions to provide additional functionality to end users. This session will provide a number of tips and tricks that show how to more effectively customize and extend ArcGIS applications by building custom COM components with .NET.

Prerequisites: .NET

Implementing Security for ArcGIS Server—Java Solutions
—Jay Theodore, Shreyas Shinde
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ArcGIS Server 9.3 allows users to secure their applications and services in an easy, interoperable way. Secure services and applications through either traditional Java application servers or new token-based security, then access a variety of user stores such as LDAP, custom databases, and Active Directory. This session will begin with a brief introduction to the new security model along with its user interface. It will then dive into specific workflows such as setting up SSL, working with multiple user/role stores with a single instance of ArcGIS Server, and writing custom user/ role store providers. This session will also provide some best practices and tips for setting up security.

Prerequisites: Java, Web development, administration

Migrating VBA/VB6 ArcObjects Applications to .NET
—Don Kemlage, Jeremy Wright, Jianxia Song
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ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Engine developers can leverage the features and capabilities of the .NET SDK to build rich desktop applications. This session will illustrate how to move Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and VB6 code and applications to the latest version of Visual Studio and the .NET Framework. Developers will be introduced to a number of tools, design practices, tips and tricks, and self-help resources that are essential to making this transition possible. The session will include a discussion on the differences in language-specific constructs; error handling; data types; accessing the base application; IDE usage; component registration; and the development of common components such as commands, tools, menus, and toolbars.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, VBA, VB6, .NET

Moving Desktop Applications to ArcGIS Server
—Alagiri Venkatachalapathy, Kelly Hutchins
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ArcGIS Server allows developers to build powerful applications that can be shared across the enterprise. This session will illustrate the key differences between the ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Server developer components and framework as well as show design patterns for moving applications from one technology to the other. Learn how to write portable ArcObjects code and take advantage of the features available in the ArcGIS Server Web ADF.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, .NET

Programming and Design Patterns for the ArcGIS Mobile API
—Jay Chen, Sabine Barrera
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The ArcGIS Mobile SDK allows developers to build and deploy centrally managed, fully customized mobile applications. This session will cover key features of the ArcGIS Mobile SDK and describe in detail what developers need to know to write effective mobile applications for ArcGIS Server. Coding and design techniques will illustrate how to leverage the power of the .NET and .NET Compact Framework to build mobile solutions with new features of the SDK and Windows Mobile. Also included will be a discussion of other advanced development patterns and best practices such as multithreading and effective ways of managing mobile map caches.

Prerequisites: .NET Compact Framework

Support Operations and Processes Presentation
—Aaron Zureick, Chris Fox
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ESRI Support Services understands that the aspects of technical support our developers value most are often different from issues regarding general usage of the products. This interactive session will use a survey to build discussion regarding the aspects of support services that the developer finds most important. The session will also focus on the details of recent changes and initiatives that will enhance the experience of developers contacting ESRI Support Services.

Prerequisites: None

Using the ArcGIS Server REST API
—Jeremy Bartley, Keyur Shah
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ArcGIS Server 9.3 introduces a powerful REST API. The API’s capabilities allow users to create maps, execute queries, geoprocess, geocode, perform geometry operations, access tiles, and generate KML. Attendees will learn how to use the REST API from a variety of mashup environments including JavaScript, HTML, Google Earth, Python, and other Web technologies.

Prerequisites: JavaScript, Web development

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Advanced Map Caching Topics
—Sterling Quinn, Tom Brenneman
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This session will focus on best practices for large caching jobs. The presenters will discuss choosing appropriate cache scale levels and image formats. They will also present advanced strategies for caching based on feature class boundaries, updating caches on a regular basis, and creating tiles on demand. Attending the Best Practices for Designing Effective Map Services session before attending this session is highly recommended.

Prerequisites: AutoCAD

ArcGIS Server Performance and Scalability— Testing Methodologies
—Andrew Sakowicz, Frank Pizzi
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For many projects, performance is the Achilles’ heel. Performance problems expose the enterprise to business inefficiencies and, potentially, the failure of critical business components. Testing, monitoring, and tuning your environment will pay off in an application that minimizes cost, maximizes return on investment, and delivers the performance users need to meet business goals. In this session, we will demonstrate performance testing methodologies for ArcGIS Server deployments and show how testing can be used to collect performance baselines, identify bottlenecks, leverage existing resource capacity more efficiently, and verify that the system meets the required performance level of service. In this session, we will cover how to write scripts for testing various frameworks and APIs including ADF AJAX, Tasks, Rest API, SOAP API, data-driven unit tests, and desktop application testing. Finally, we will demo different performance tools including Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, Apache JMeter, HP LoadRunner, Borland SilkPerformer, and NRG AppLoader.

Prerequisites: None

Best Practices for Designing Effective Map Services
—Sterling Quinn, Tom Brenneman
View the slides [PDF]
Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

This session will explain how to prepare an existing ArcMap document for optimal performance on the Web. The presenters will demonstrate how to use the new 9.3.1 optimized map service for ArcGIS Server. They will also discuss when it is appropriate to use additional techniques for quickly publishing maps such as creating tile caches or displaying data with client-side graphics. Attending this session before the Advanced Map Caching Topics session is highly recommended.

Prerequisites: None

Building and Optimizing Geoprocessing Services for ArcGIS Server
—Nathan Warmerdam, Scott Murray
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ArcGIS Server allows users to create geoprocessing services that leverage hundreds of out-of-the-box tools in the core product. This session will demonstrate how to convert existing workflows (models, scripts, etc.) from nongeneric tools into tools that can be published as fast and efficient services. In addition, topics such as server configuration and service properties will be discussed in the context of server performance. A case study will be used to demonstrate the methods discussed and to highlight tips and tricks for common user problems.

Prerequisites: Geoprocessing, ModelBuilder

Building Custom Tasks for ArcGIS Server .NET Web Applications
—Nikhil Shampur, Sentha Sivabalan
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The .NET Web ADF delivers out-of-the-box tasks that are built on a common task framework. This session will introduce the task framework architecture and its capabilities, discuss custom task development options, and demonstrate how to build custom tasks. A series of best practices and use cases, coupled with code samples, will provide attendees with real-world solutions for building and deploying custom tasks.

Prerequisites: ASP.NET, AJAX

Building Your First Rich Internet Applications with ArcGIS API for Flex
—Antony Jayaprakash, Bjorn Svensson
View the slides [PDF]
Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

At ArcGIS 9.3, the new ArcGIS API for Flex enables developers to write visually rich and engaging ArcGIS Server applications that run inside the Adobe Flash player. Attendees will learn how to build their first Flex-based ArcGIS Server Web application. The presenters will provide an introduction to the API, discuss topics on how to get started, and share ways to get more help from the Flex community. No prior knowledge of the Adobe Flex framework is required.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server and basic Web programming skills

Creating a 3D Virtual City Using ArcGIS
—Hardeep Bajwa, Tamrat Belayneh
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With the increase in the collection of 3D cityscape data, ArcGIS users are more able than ever to create a representation of a 3D virtual city. This session will focus on the methodology and best practices for creating and sharing a 3D representation of an urban area. A number of topics will be covered including data preparation, how to utilize new improvements to the texture handling of 3D data, the dos and don’ts of successful authoring of a 3D view, and sharing 3D content on the Web. Tips and tricks for how to get the most out of data, using both the user interface and ArcObjects, will also be included in the session.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, .NET, 3D Analyst

Customization with the ArcGIS Server Image Extension
—Feroz Abdul Kadar, Prashant Mangtani
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The ArcGIS Server Image extension (formerly known as ArcGIS Image Server) is used to author and serve large collections of raster data as image services, thereby providing fast access to and visualization of large quantities of imagery. It can be used on its own or as the image extension to ArcGIS Server. This session will cover how to add a custom raster type or raster format and a custom process. Through code samples, developers will learn the requirements for creating a custom raster format and steps to create a custom raster type that reads a raster format and its metadata as well as georeferencing data. Plus, learn what is necessary when creating a C or C++ DLL that can be used as a process. See how to define the process, how to define the user interface, and how to add it automatically using a raster type.

Prerequisites: Raster file formats, ArcGIS Image Server, C++

Customizing Editing Workflows with the Java Web ADF
—Divesh Goyal
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This session will describe the editing framework available in the Java Web ADF and how it can be used by developers to implement custom editing workflows. The presenter will discuss patterns on how to develop server-side customizations, such as business rules and validation, to augment the editing process. The session will also cover techniques on how to leverage the Java Web ADF JavaScript library to provide a customized user experience as well as how to extend the library to develop client-side editing tools and actions.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server Java, Java ADF

Customizing Graphics and MapTips with the Java Web ADF
—Dan O’Neill, David Cardella
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The Java Web ADF includes multiple resources available to developers including the Graphics Resource. The Graphics Resource allows adding feature data to an existing map and is ideal for displaying data as a result of an operation or task. This session will introduce the Graphics Resource and how it can be used with features like MapTips and Query Results. Ways to add features to the Graphics Resource and customize the results displayed in callout windows and the results panel will be explored.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server—Java, Java ADF

Developing Advanced Applications with the ArcGIS API for Flex
—Bjorn Svensson, Dasa Paddock, Mansour Raad
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This session’s attendees will learn how to extend their ArcGIS API for Flex-based applications even further by taking advantage of the powerful Adobe Flex framework. The session will cover how to write thematic mapping applications and custom layers, change the default look and feel of components, and provide developers with ways to use Flex effects. The presenters will also discuss deployment considerations and look at other developer productivity options provided by the Flex framework.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, Flex

Developing Advanced Applications with the ArcGIS JavaScript API
—Jayant Sai, Jeremy Bartley
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This session will show developers how to take an HTML and JavaScript Web application to the next level. The session will discuss techniques for building and using Dojo Dijit, examples of how to write custom layers, ways of extending the ArcGIS for API JavaScript classes, debugging techniques, options for printing from a Web application, and integration with other JavaScript libraries.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, JavaScript, HTML

Developing with ArcGIS Raster APIs
—Hong Xu, Peng Gao, Robert Berger
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ArcGIS provides rich raster C# APIs that are used to manage and serve raster data and allow developers to extend the raster capabilities of ArcGIS or to build stand-alone rastercentric applications. This session will present the key topics on using raster APIs. Through code examples and sample applications, developers will learn best practices for accessing raster data from various sources including geodatabase rasters, visualizing raster data, processing raster data by developing custom geodata transformations and pixel filters, and serving raster data in ArcGIS Server.

Prerequisites: General understanding of ArcObjects and raster data, C#

Distributed Geodatabase Development
—Gary MacDougall, Khaled Hassen
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ArcGIS provides the functionality to build systems that manage and distribute data. This session will focus on the distributed geodatabase internals, its programming API (C#), and its integration with external systems. The key elements of geodatabase replication will be discussed including the replication state model and replica synchronization using delta files (i.e., XML) and the geodata server. Real-world examples will be used to discuss various workflows and best developer practices.

Prerequisites: Good knowledge of the geodatabase programming models and a basic understanding of geodatabase versioning, C#

Extending ArcGIS Server with Java
—Dan O’Neill, Eric Bader, Ranjit Iyer
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Starting at 9.3.1, Java developers have new ArcGIS Server customization options by way of extending ArcObjects. In this session, developers will learn how to create custom “utility” objects and server object extensions in Java using the Eclipse IDE and the ArcGIS extensibility plug-ins. This session will also cover the deployment of these components to the ArcGIS Server container as well as consuming them in a Web client.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, Java, ArcGIS Server

Extending ArcGIS with Java
—Dan O’Neill, Eric Bader, Ranjit Iyer
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Starting at 9.3.1, Java developers have new ArcGIS customization options by way of extending ArcObjects. In this session, developers will learn how to create custom geoprocessing tools and custom renderers using the Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE) wizard templates and base classes. Attendees will also learn how to deploy and consume ArcObjects extensions to ArcGIS Engine, ArcGIS Desktop, and ArcGIS Server applications.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects; Java; basic understanding of ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Engine, and ArcGIS Server

Implementing Enterprise Applications with the Geodatabase
—Brent Pierce, Tom Brown
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Developers can build enterprise applications to interact with a geodatabase. The focus of this session will be on demonstrating how to leverage key elements of the geodatabase API (C#) to develop highly scalable multiuser enterprise applications. Topics of this session will include real-world examples of implementing versioning, archiving, database transactions, and editing and querying data. Measuring performance via code instrumentation and tracing database execution statements will also be discussed throughout the session.

Prerequisites: Geodatabase concepts, C#

Implementing Security for ArcGIS Server .NET Solutions
—Sud Menon, Tom Brenneman
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This session will begin with an overview of the ArcGIS Server security model and the user interface for securing Web services and applications. See how to configure the user/role location, set role-based permissions, and use token-based security. Topics of interest to developers will also be discussed including using a custom location for users and roles such as the XML file, Active Directory, or custom SQL Server database; common issues encountered when implementing security and troubleshooting tips for security; implementing SSL (HTTPS) for a system; customizing Web site content based on the user login; and securing applications using the JavaScript APIs.

Prerequisites: ASP.NET, Web development

Introducing and Implementing ArcGIS Explorer 900—Part I
—Andy MacDonald, Jeff Jackson
ArcGIS Explorer marks a significant new release and a departure from previous versions, featuring a completely new user interface, a range of new customization and deployment options, and a new SDK. This session will take a top-down approach to familiarizing attendees with the new user experience of ArcGIS Explorer 900, including new presentation capabilities, and will detail the various options for extending and customizing ArcGIS Explorer. We recommend taking this session or the presummit seminar before attending part II of the series.

Prerequisites: Some .NET programming experience beneficial

Introducing and Implementing ArcGIS Explorer 900—Part II
—Andy MacDonald, Jeff Jackson
This session is an extension of Introducing and Implementing ArcGIS Explorer 900—Part I. This session will go into more detail about the various development options for extending and customizing ArcGIS Explorer using add-ons, application configurations, and the .NET-based SDK. Other topics covered will include best practices for building and deploying ArcGIS Explorer throughout an organization, its relationship with ArcGIS Online, and its role in sharing and discovery via the new layer packages and ArcGIS Online.

Prerequisites: Presummit seminar or part I of this series, .NET programming

Introduction to the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight
—Art Haddad, Rex Hansen
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Microsoft Silverlight provides a cross-browser, cross-platform development environment for building and delivering rich interactive applications for the Web. The ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight enables you to integrate ArcGIS Server and Microsoft Virtual Earth services and capabilities in a Silverlight application. You can create interactive and expressive Web applications leveraging ArcGIS Server and Virtual Earth resources—such as maps, locators, and geoprocessing models—and Silverlight components—such as grids, treeviews, and charts. This session will demonstrate and discuss the capabilities and features of the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with Microsoft Silverlight is helpful, but not required

Patterns and Best Practices for Building Applications with ArcGIS API for Flex
—Antony Jayaprakash, Mansour Raad
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GIS professionals have many different options for building Web GIS applications. The user experience and expectations are different if you are tasked with building an application for the general public versus an application for someone in your organization. This session will look at several Flex applications and walk through development scenarios to help answer questions from how to move beyond trying to build an application that tries to do everything to building something that is targeted and communicates useful geographic information to the end user. How do you represent operational layers in the browser? How do you represent layers that change frequently? And how do you successfully do thematic mapping on the client?

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, Flex

Patterns and Best Practices for Building Applications with ArcGIS API for JavaScript
—Jeremy Bartley
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Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

GIS professionals have many different options for building Web GIS applications. The user experience and expectations are different if you are tasked with building an application for the general public versus an application for someone in your organization. This session will look at several JavaScript applications and walk through development scenarios to help answer questions from how to move beyond trying to build an application that tries to do everything to building something that is targeted and communicates useful geographic information to the end user. How do you represent operational layers in the browser? How do you represent layers that change frequently? And how do you successfully do thematic mapping on the client?

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, JavaScript

Programming and Design Patterns for ArcPad
—Jian Lange
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ArcPad is an out-of-the-box, complete mobile GIS solution that provides extensive customization and development capabilities. This session will show attendees how to use ArcPad Studio (included with the ArcPad 8 release) to customize the field user’s experience (toolbars, data entry forms and validation, and query forms) with little or no programming. The session will also emphasize some of the new development capabilities available in ArcPad including field data synchronization with ArcGIS Server and working with ArcPad AXF files (based on Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition), which provide tight integration with geodatabases. In addition, through code samples and demonstrations, developers will learn how to integrate ArcPad with .NET applications, Internet technologies, and hardware devices. Approaches for debugging custom applications and preparing enterprise data for ArcPad will also be discussed.

Prerequisites: .NET, scripting, SQL

Python Scripting—Advanced Techniques
—David Wynne, Nathan Warmerdam
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This session is intended for developers who are interested in leveraging the existing Python SDK to incorporate more advanced logic and analysis into existing scripts. The session will discuss and demonstrate the use of tools and objects, such as describe, field mapping, geometry, and cursors, to perform and improve data processing workflows.

Prerequisites: Geoprocessing, Building Geoprocessing Tools with Python session

Top 10 How-tos for the ArcGIS Server .NET ADF
—Jian Huang, Undral Batsukh
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The ArcGIS Server .NET Web ADF provides an extensible developer framework and a rich set of software components that can be used to build applications for the Web. Most developers want to customize and extend these components further to provide specific application functionality and behavior. Based on feedback from ESRI Support Services, this session will highlight the top 10 most frequently asked how-to questions from the developer community. The session will also provide a number of tips, tricks, and best practices that illustrate how to accomplish these tasks. Some of the common tasks include how to customize callout MapTips, create thematic maps, create and customize context menus, implement AJAX, and integrate Dojo components.

Prerequisites: ASP.NET, .NET Web ADF

Working with ArcGIS Server Services Using the SOAP API
—John Hauck, Rex Hansen
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ArcGIS Server includes map, globe, geodata, geoprocessing, geocoding, network analysis, geometry, and image services. Session attendees will receive an overview of these foundation ArcGIS Server services and learn how they are exposed via the ArcGIS Server SOAP API. This session will include a variety of Web and desktop samples that teach how to work with these services.

Prerequisites: SOAP, Web development

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Advanced Map Caching Topics
—Sterling Quinn, Tom Brenneman
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This session will focus on best practices for large caching jobs. The presenters will discuss choosing appropriate cache scale levels and image formats. They will also present advanced strategies for caching based on feature class boundaries, updating caches on a regular basis, and creating tiles on demand. Attending the Best Practices for Designing Effective Map Services session before attending this session is highly recommended.

Prerequisites: AutoCAD

An Overview of the ArcGIS JavaScript APIs
—Jayant Sai, Jeremy Bartley
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ArcGIS Server 9.3 introduced the ArcGIS for API JavaScript and ArcGIS JavaScript extensions for Google Maps and Virtual Earth that are powered by a REST API. This session’s attendees will learn about these APIs and explore the online SDKs. The main focus will be to show developers how to build applications with each of the JavaScript APIs by walking participants through the online samples in the SDK and covering best practices.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, JavaScript, HTML

ArcGIS 9.4—The Road Ahead for Developers
—Ismael Chivite, Jeff Shaner, Rob Elkins Jr
In this session, plans and directions for the future of ArcGIS will be presented. The vision, new functionality, platform support, and other topics regarding our next release (9.4) will be discussed.

Prerequisites: None

ArcGIS Server Performance and Scalability— Performance Factors and Optimization
—Andrew Sakowicz, Eric Miller, Frank Pizzi
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This session will focus on analyzing key performance factors and the root cause of typical performance problems when deploying ArcGIS Server. This knowledge can be used to implement costeffective system improvements that will lead to higher productivity and user satisfaction. Using a bottom-up approach, we will identify critical components (e.g., data sources, geodatabase, geoprocessing, map documents, application, system architecture design, hardware, virtualization) and quantify how optimization of these components impacts overall performance and scalability.

Prerequisites: None

ArcGIS Server Performance and Scalability— Testing Methodologies
—Andrew Sakowicz, Frank Pizzi
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For many projects, performance is the Achilles’ heel. Performance problems expose the enterprise to business inefficiencies and, potentially, the failure of critical business components. Testing, monitoring, and tuning your environment will pay off in an application that minimizes cost, maximizes return on investment, and delivers the performance users need to meet business goals. In this session, we will demonstrate performance testing methodologies for ArcGIS Server deployments and show how testing can be used to collect performance baselines, identify bottlenecks, use existing resource capacity more efficiently, and verify that the system meets the required performance level of service. In this session, we will cover how to write scripts for testing various frameworks and APIs including ADF AJAX, Tasks, REST API, SOAP API, data-driven unit tests, and desktop application testing. Finally, we will demo different performance tools including Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, Apache JMeter, HP LoadRunner, Borland SilkPerformer, and NRG AppLoader.

Prerequisites: None

Building and Optimizing Geoprocessing Services for ArcGIS Server
—Nathan Warmerdam, Scott Murray
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ArcGIS Server allows users to create geoprocessing services that leverage hundreds of out-of-the-box tools in the core product. This session will demonstrate how to convert existing workflows (models, scripts, etc.) from nongeneric tools into tools that can be published as fast and efficient services. In addition, topics such as server configuration and service properties will be discussed in the context of server performance. A case study will be used to demonstrate the methods discussed and to highlight tips and tricks for common user problems.

Prerequisites: Geoprocessing, ModelBuilder

Building ArcGIS Applications for AutoCAD
—Don Kuehne, Karen Hodge
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ArcGIS for AutoCAD Build 200 is an example of integrating ArcGIS Server functionality with a popular desktop application. In this session, attendees will learn how to write a .NET application that works within AutoCAD, how to call ArcGIS for AutoCAD functions from a .NET application, how to use ESRI’s new Mapping Specification for Drawings (MSD) without ArcGIS for AutoCAD to prepare AutoCAD drawings for merging into a geodatabase, and how to access geoprocessing functionality from within the AutoCAD environment. Developers will find out how to leverage MSD GIS data structures in AutoCAD applications to promote GIS/CAD interoperability by managing coordinate systems, feature classes, and feature attributes using AutoCAD graphic and nongraphic entities.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, Best Practices for Designing Web Maps session

Building Great Web Maps Using ArcGIS
—Bernie Szukalski, Clint Brown
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GIS continues to grow as the Web expands. New consumer mapping technology, such as Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth, has captured many people’s imaginations and is influencing end-user expectations for Web maps provided by the GIS user community. Meanwhile, GIS communities are buzzing about Web 2.0 and, more specifically, the GeoWeb. Many GIS practitioners see big opportunities, but they also see many challenges. The goal of this session is to present lessons learned and best practices for publishing Web maps using ArcGIS. New approaches make it possible for any ArcGIS user to create great looking Web maps. In this session, you will learn how to use ArcGIS to create multiscale basemaps, build map overlays, define map layers that provide information popups and interactive reports, create great cartography for use in your Web maps, and deploy using ArcGIS Explorer and the ArcGIS Server Flex API. Deploying to Web maps such as Microsoft Virtual Earth, Google Earth, and ArcGIS Online will also be discussed. This session targets all levels of expertise and all audiences (managers, GIS professionals, IT/developers).

Prerequisites: None

Customization with the ArcGIS Server Image Extension
—Feroz Abdul Kadar, Prashant Mangtani
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The ArcGIS Server Image extension (formerly known as ArcGIS Image Server) is used to author and serve large collections of raster data as image services, thereby providing fast access to and visualization of large quantities of imagery. It can be used on its own or as the image extension to ArcGIS Server. This session will cover how to add a custom raster type or raster format and a custom process. Through code samples, developers will learn the requirements for creating a custom raster format and steps to create a custom raster type that reads a raster format and its metadata as well as georeferencing data. Plus, learn what is necessary when creating a C or C++ DLL that can be used as a process. See how to define the process, how to define the user interface, and how to add it automatically using a raster type.

Prerequisites: Raster file formats, ArcGIS Image Server, C++

Customizing Graphics and MapTips with the .NET Web ADF
—Rex Hansen, Richard Zwaap
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Microsoft Silverlight provides a cross-browser, cross-platform development environment for building and delivering rich interactive applications for the Web. The ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight enables you to integrate ArcGIS Server and Microsoft Virtual Earth services and capabilities in a Silverlight application. You can create interactive and expressive Web applications leveraging ArcGIS Server and Virtual Earth resources—such as maps, locators, and geoprocessing models—and Silverlight components—such as grids, treeviews, and charts. This session will demonstrate and discuss the capabilities and features of the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with Microsoft Silverlight helpful, but not required

Deploying ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Engine Applications in .NET
—Don Kemlage, Mita Patel
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ArcGIS developers can build custom desktop applications and deploy them to end users. This session will focus on best practices and recommendations for deploying and distributing ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Engine applications. A number of topics will be covered such as the licensing and deployment options available to desktop developers, version compatibility for ArcGIS, service packs and the .NET runtime, and how to build a seamless setup program for .NET applications. Real-world applications and scenarios will be used to highlight and demonstrate the key deployment concepts.

Prerequisites: ArcObjects, .NET

Developing Advanced Applications with the ArcGIS JavaScript API
—Jayant Sai, Jeremy Bartley
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This session will show developers how to take an HTML and JavaScript Web application to the next level. The session will discuss techniques for building and using Dojo Dijits, examples of how to write custom layers, ways of extending the ArcGIS for API JavaScript classes, debugging techniques, options for printing from a Web application, and integration with other JavaScript libraries.

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, JavaScript, HTML

Developing Defense Applications Using Military Analyst and MOLE
—Derek Foll, Chris Moore
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Military Analyst and MOLE enhance the defense and intelligence developer’s ability to do coordinate conversion, geodetic measurement and display, and military overlay symbology. This session will briefly cover an introduction to the defense solutions API and development paradigm. Developers will see the work done through samples and best practices to leverage their own applications with Military Analyst and MOLE. Chris Moore will be a copresenter.

Prerequisites: None

Developing for the GeoWeb: Notes from the Field
—Allan Laframboise, Dave Bouwman
View the slides Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

The GIS community is faced with a number of challenges and opportunities today when developing applications for the GeoWeb. In this session, guest speaker Dave Bouwman (blog .davebouwman.net) will discuss what to consider when developing GeoWeb applications. Real-world examples will be used to illustrate and explain development concepts relating to map canvases, usability, interface design, back end service design, and unit testing. Some of the technologies covered will include ASP.NET model view controller (MVC), MbUnit, esri.map, and OpenLayers. Final discussions will cover how to leverage Web 2.0 tools and resources to more effectively build these applications, share ideas, and collaborate on development efforts with others in the GeoWeb community.

Prerequisites: Web development, Web 2.0 enabled

Implementing ArcGIS Mobile Applications for the Enterprise
—Michael Miller, Myles Sutherland
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ArcGIS Server and the ArcGIS Mobile SDK allow developers to build and deploy a complete, end-to-end mobile solution within the enterprise. This session will cover system architecture; best practices; building effective, scalable information; and transactional models to support a large number of field-workers. Also covered will be designing maps with purpose, cost-effective data and application deployment strategies, and recommended back-office QA methodologies. Development strategies and the technical details of building such a system will also be discussed, and real-world examples will be provided.

Prerequisites: Mobile technologies

Leveraging the OGC Capabilities of ArcGIS Server
—Jessica Parteno, Satish Sankaran, Yingqi Tang
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ArcGIS provides client and server capabilities for working with Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC), data and services. ArcGIS Server allows attendees to expose WCS, WFS, and WMS services to clients that can consume them. This session will showcase how to integrate and expose these services with ArcGIS Server. Also covered will be the various customization options and functionality related to the OGC capabilities. Different client applications will be used to highlight and demonstrate key concepts. The presentation will cover various use case scenarios and recommended workflows.

Prerequisites: None

Patterns and Best Practices for Building Applications with ArcGIS API for Flex
—Antony Jayaprakash, Mansour Raad
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GIS professionals have many different options for building Web GIS applications. The user experience and expectations are different if you are tasked with building an application for the general public versus an application for someone in your organization. This session will look at several Flex applications and walk through development scenarios to help answer questions from how to move beyond trying to build an application that tries to do everything to building something that is targeted and communicates useful geographic information to the end user. How do you represent operational layers in the browser? How do you represent layers that change frequently? And how do you successfully do thematic mapping on the client?

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, Flex

Patterns and Best Practices for Building Applications with ArcGIS API for JavaScript
—Jeremy Bartley
View the slides [PDF]
Download the code demonstrated in this session
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GIS professionals have many different options for building Web GIS applications. The user experience and expectations are different if you are tasked with building an application for the general public versus an application for someone in your organization. This session will look at several JavaScript applications and walk through development scenarios to help answer questions from how to move beyond trying to build an application that tries to do everything to building something that is targeted and communicates useful geographic information to the end user. How do you represent operational layers in the browser? How do you represent layers that change frequently? And how do you successfully do thematic mapping on the client?

Prerequisites: ArcGIS Server, JavaScript

Patterns and Best Practices for Building Applications with the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight
—Art Haddad, Morten Nielsen, Rex Hansen
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The Microsoft Silverlight platform provides a comprehensive framework for consolidating data sources and services as well as building reusable, expressive, and interactive components for the Web. Microsoft Expression Blend enhances Silverlight development by providing an interactive, aesthetic design surface for styling Silverlight content. The ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight builds on standard Silverlight platform patterns and tools. This session will discuss best practices for integrating and enhancing the use of ArcGIS Silverlight components with respect to data binding, control templates, and XAML/code-behind patterns.

Prerequisites: Intermediate level experience with Microsoft Silverlight, .NET, and Expression Blend

Working Effectively with the Geodatabase Using SQL
—Kevin Watt, Tom Brown
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Applications can interact with the geodatabase through SQL. Writing efficient SQL with spatial attributes requires an understanding of the data type’s architecture and operators. This session will introduce the audience to the ST_Geometry model, spatial index, and relational and geometry operators. It will also focus on proper SQL syntax to ensure optimal execution and utilization of the spatial index.

Prerequisites: SQL and a basic understanding of geodatabase versioning

Developer Keynote Session

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

SOAP vs. REST: Complementary or Competitive?
—David Chappell, Principal, Chappell & Associates
View the slides [PDF]

Two approaches to creating Web services are in use today, and both have ardent fans. One, using SOAP and the WS-* specifications, follows in the footsteps of earlier distributed computing technologies. The other, the RESTful style, is explicitly based on the principles of the Web itself. Which is better? David Chappell searches for the answer in this keynote presentation.

Prerequisites: None

User Presentations

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

ArcGIS, the Web, and the GPU—Advancing 3D GIS Visualization
—Robert Holicky, Geoweb3d, Inc.
This presentation will discuss the recent advancements in video card technology and its contribution to Web GIS 3D visualization. Rapid, accurate, and robust 3D visualizations can now be generated on demand from native GIS data. Today’s commodity graphics processing unit (GPU) technology, most notably driven by the game industry, continues to double its performance every six months. It increasingly provides the performance, throughput, and fidelity to visualize and analyze both 3D and 4D geospatial data. Integrating these modern visualization techniques with Web GIS is in its relative infancy. This discussion will focus on our integration of both ArcGIS Engine and an embedded browser engine with this GPU technology. Embedding ArcGIS provides the integration platform that ensures interoperability across projects, geodatabases, and broader enterprise solutions. The browser engine provides the inherent mechanism to mash up, discover, analyze, serve, and leverage the momentum of Web GIS. Examples of rendering and symbolizing datasets, ranging from the realistic to the thematic, will be provided.

Prerequisites: None

Building RESTful Apps and Services Using MVC
—Brian Noyle, DTSAgile
Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

The presentation will leverage a suite of tools in the “http goodness” toolbox to discuss the implementation of RESTful applications and services utilizing ESRI’s REST and JavaScript APIs in association with Microsoft’s ASP.NET MVC framework. Caching, linking, bookmarking, and friendly URLs are all nice features of the RESTful architecture but, as a developer, consider the impact on your next Geoweb app of having absolute control over addressable resources (data views and maps), guaranteed code quality governed by TDD principals, the opportunity for pluggable back end services in a hybrid solution, and the opening of doors for software and data interoperability over HTTP! The presenter will focus on real-world examples from recent development initiatives to illustrate the potential impact of RESTful services and applications in the geospatial enterprise. Implementation challenges for strictly RESTful URLs, architectural patterns, code examples, real-world systems demos, and other shiny bits will all be in attendance.

Prerequisites: None

Dynamically Creating and Deleting Map Services and Layers Using VB.NET and ArcGIS Server
—Julie Kub, DOC/NTIA/ITS.E
Listen and view the presentation [FLASH]

This talk will demonstrate a sample ArcGIS Server application (VB. NET, ASP.NET) that dynamically creates a nonpooled map service from a blank map, dynamically adds a user-selected dataset into the map service, and destroys the map service on demand. This gives the end users more flexibility with the map services and layers they want to use. Most of the code is from ArcObjects, as opposed to it all being through the Web ADF APIs.

Prerequisites: None

Unit Testing 101: Building Testable Applications
—Dave Bouman, DTSAgile
Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

This talk will cover the key ideas behind unit testing, the design patterns that facilitate testing, and some challenges faced by developers working with the ESRI APIs. Examples will include testing ArcGIS Server COM Utility classes as well as unit testing for ASP.NET MVC. We’ll also delve into dependency injection, mocking, and test-driven development.

Prerequisites: None

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Building ArcGIS Mobile Applications with the WPF Composite Application Library
—Bill Bott, Telvent Miner & Miner
The Microsoft Composite Application Library (CAL) is a freely available framework for building Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications. This presentation will cover the primary components of CAL and how they can be easily combined with the ArcGIS Mobile ADF to create an extensible and modern application.

Prerequisites: None

Flex, REST, WMS and Distributed Processing for Economic Development
—Robert Cheetham, Avencia
Priority Places is an interactive mapping application designed to strengthen quality economic development investment in the City of Asheville. The online software enables business owners, citizens, or government agencies to weigh multiple geographic factors and generate a map that highlights optimal locations for their activities. The application was needed to support highperformance execution of raster map algebra functions while providing an interactive and responsive user interface. It also needed to be deployed using ArcIMS, but support transfer to ArcGIS Server in the future. The innovative system architecture combines a REST API, OGC WMS, and a distributed processing system with a user interface constructed using the Adobe Flex system. Business and demographic reporting is provided with ESRI Business Analyst Online Web services. The presentation will discuss the architecture and demonstrate the application.

Prerequisites: None

Harnessing Server Object Extensions
—Vish Uma, Timmons Group
Building Web-based enterprise GIS software presents some unique challenges and has added a twist to traditional GIS solutions. Based on its complexity and requirements, different techniques need to be used to solve these problems optimally. For some problems, geoprocessing tasks might be the right solution. But some other problems that involve domain/project-specific business rules and workflows can be tackled better with the use of Server Object Extensions (SOEs). SOEs provide developers with a fast, reliable, and scalable way of building GIS solutions using ArcGIS Server. This presentation will go over some of the finer points of developing SOEs and will present some Visual Studio project templates to make development a little bit easier. It will also go over wiring up a setup project for deploying SOEs. Finally, a RESTful service developed using SOEs and WCF to complement the ArcGIS Server REST API and enable editing data exposed in MapServices will be demonstrated.

Prerequisites: None

Implementing a Custom Image Server Raster Format
—Michael Rosen, LizardTech
The Custom Image Server Raster Format is a simple but powerful server-side extension mechanism that allows developers to leverage the flexibility and scalability of the ArcGIS Server platform onto many problem-specific workflows. LizardTech (LT) recently implemented one of these. The latest revision of LT’s widely distributed free plug-in for ArcGIS uses this technique to extend support for the newest generation of ArcGIS Server. Our application allows our customers high-performance access to their LT Express Server-based JP2 and MrSID images directly from ArcGIS Server. Our presentation will describe the impetus for the project and our subsequent implementation experience. We will describe the coding of the FormatCorePlugin callbacks, related installation/ configuration issues, and overall results.

Prerequisites: None

Intro to Agile Software Development
—Chris Spagnuolo, Rally Software Development
You’ve heard the buzzwords, and everyone around you seems to be “doing Agile.” But just what are Agile practices and where do they come from? And what makes them work so well? In this session, we’ll review a brief history of Agile and provide some concrete numbers of how Agile practices stack up against other software development methodologies. We’ll also explain the Scrum framework for Agile development. Scrum is the guiding set of patterns and practices for many Agile teams. It helps enable a collaborative environment that readily accepts change as the norm in complex software development projects. It provides the basis for the iterative and incremental delivery of high-quality, valuable working software to customers very quickly.

Prerequisites: None

Print & Legend Web Services for the ArcGIS JS API or Web ADF
—Marianne Cardwell, Woolpert
The ArcGIS JavaScript API released with ArcGIS 9.3 opened up a whole new set of Web development possibilities, but it comes with two major drawbacks: the lack of reliable, highquality printing and the lack of a dynamically created legend including legend swatches. To solve these limitations, the City of Indianapolis, Indiana, modified its existing print Web service designed for use with the Web ADF so that it could be used with Web sites developed using the ArcGIS JavaScript API. The result is a high-quality PDF map including a legend, north arrow, scale bar, and text elements. Additionally, the city has created a legend service that provides the legend swatches necessary to create a legend to be displayed on a Web site. This service can be used with any Web site using an ESRI map service. This presentation will go over the two services and explain how they were created, focusing on the advantage of a service-oriented architecture.

Prerequisites: None

Using OpenLayers with ArcGIS Server REST API
—James Fee, RSP Architects
Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

The ArcGIS REST API opens up ArcGIS Server to new libraries not available to users before. OpenLayers is a pure JavaScript library for displaying map data in most modern Web browsers, with no server-side dependencies. OpenLayers implements a JavaScript API for building rich Web-based geographic applications, similar to the Google Maps and MSN Virtual Earth APIs but with one important difference—OpenLayers is free software developed for and by the Open Source software community. Learn how easy it is to use OpenLayers with the ArcGIS REST API, request ArcGIS Server map services, query layers, and display them using proprietary and open source components in harmony. We’ll walk thorugh the process to create an OpenLayers Web application from scratch with the ArcGIS REST API.

Prerequisites: None

Special Interest Group Meeting

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lone GIS Professional Special Interest Group Meeting
—David A. Howes, Compliance Services International; Jim Barry, ESRI
As was widely recognized at the 2008 Developer Summit, a large proportion of the ESRI customer base consists of GIS users and developers who work on their own or in small groups. The Lone GIS Professional Initiative was established to bring these professionals together to help them help each other be more successful. With a strong appreciation of their common professional situation coupled with their diverse experience in GIS and a variety of other specialties, members from various parts of the world communicate on a regular basis online and at events such as this one to make new professional connections and work more effectively. This Special Interest Group meeting provides an opportunity for existing members to discuss the progress and direction of the initiative and for other attendees to learn about how they may benefit from and contribute to its activities.

Prerequisites: None

Demo Theater Presentations

Monday, March 23, 2009

ArcGIS Business Analyst Server
—Bob Hazelton III, Tony Howser
View the slides [PDF]

ArcGIS Business Analyst Server is ESRI's platform for spatially enabling a commercial enterprise. Learn how you can use Business Analyst Server to quickly develop rich Internet applications that enable businesses to distribute location-related decision making across their organization. Through demonstrations of the Business Analyst Server REST and SOAP APIs and its vast demographic, consumer spending, and market segmentation datasets, you will learn how Business Analyst Server can be used to build Web 2.0 solutions for site selection, target marketing, risk analysis, and more.

Prerequisites: None

Creating Custom Clients for the ArcGIS Server Image Extension
—Ringu Nalankal, Smrithi Chandran
View the slides [PDF]

A direct client connection can be made to the ArcGIS Server Image extension using the Image Server Client DLL (ISClient. dll). This compact DLL can easily be integrated into a number of different applications or you can create your own client application, allowing direct access to the imagery and features of the image service. The client access uses the remote procedure call (RPC) protocol. This session will walk developers through the steps needed to create a client application and provide a thorough understanding of the source code for the Image Server Viewer.

Prerequisites: None

Extending ArcLogistics
—Jeff Wickstrom
This session will review methods and best practices for extending ArcLogistics. Topics covered will include developing an ArcLogistics extension and international localization. The session will cover typical use cases, how to use the developer resources, and best practices illustrated through diagrams and sample code.

Prerequisites: None

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

ArcGIS Explorer 900 Developer: A Truly Managed Experience
—Larry Young
View the slides [PDF]

Learn about the new .NET API in ArcGIS Explorer 900, which has significantly evolved from the current 500 version. Demonstrations will show you how to customize ArcGIS Explorer as well as how to make use of the rich functionality available in the Application, Mapping, Data, and Geometry name spaces.

Prerequisites: None

Building SharePoint Web Parts with the Web ADF
—Rex Hansen, Richard Zwaap
View the slides [PDF]

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 provides a comprehensive platform for efficiently managing enterprise content, intelligence, and search systems. Custom interactive content provided to SharePoint users is often packaged in visual server controls termed Web Parts. In this environment, Web ADF server controls and logic can be deployed within a Web Part to expose GIS functionality within SharePoint. This demo theater will discuss and show building a Web Part that contains Web ADF controls and deploying the Web Part within SharePoint.

Prerequisites: None

Creating Custom GIS Portals Using GIS Portal Toolkit
—Marten Hogeweg
View the slides [PDF]

In this demo theater presentation, users will be introduced to the concept of GIS portals and their role in spatial data infrastructures. We will describe how ESRI's GIS Portal Toolkit extension to ArcGIS Server supports discovery and access to geospatial resources for SDI and how you can tailor GIS Portal Toolkit to meet your specific needs through a number of developer samples.

Prerequisites: None

Developing Custom Forms and Queries for ArcPad AXF Files
—Jian Lange
View the slides [PDF]

ArcPad 7.1 introduced the AXF file format, which is a lightweight geodatabase based on Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition. This session will demonstrate how to work with ArcPad AXF files through code samples and SQL queries. Developers will learn how to build custom forms for AXF files and to take the best advantage of this powerful mobile database format.

Prerequisites: None

Developing Real-Time Applications with Tracking Analyst and Tracking Server
—Hanoch Kalmanovich, Morakot Pilouk, Ryan Elliott, Shashwati Kasetty
Learn about the various ways you can develop ArcGIS softwarebased applications that include real-time data content. Developing applications for use with ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Engine, and ArcGIS Server will be demonstrated.

Prerequisites: None

Developing Applications for ArcGIS for AutoCAD
—Alex LeReaux, Don Kuehne
This presentation will introduce the new concepts of ArcGIS for AutoCAD build 200 including the mapping specification for drawings and various coding samples to help you jump-start your own AutoCAD and ArcGIS interoperability development efforts.

Prerequisites: None

Extending, Customizing, and Implementing the Situational Awareness Bundle
—Albert Pascual
View the slides [PDF]

In this demo, we will explore the fundamental steps for developing, extending, and customizing the Flex map viewer for the ArcGIS for Situational Awareness bundle. Topics will include architecture fundamentals in GIS and the Flex map viewer and integration with ArcGIS Server. We'll present a new way to fuse information using the Flex map viewer to make better geographic reports and talk about using Flex and ArcGIS Server 9.3 to create a customized Flex map viewer that consumes data and online resources to analyze information on maps.

Prerequisites: None

Geometric Networks for Developers
—Alan Hatakeyama, Craig Gillgrass
View the slides [PDF]

Geometric networks offer a way to model common networks and infrastructures found in the real world such as water distribution and electrical lines. We'll discuss how to work with geometric networks at the API level—covering how to create networks, the creation and use of connectivity rules, how to create and edit network features, and how to trace against the geometric network.

Prerequisites: None

Integrating Microsoft Silverlight with the Web ADF
—Rex Hansen, Richard Zwaap
Microsoft Silverlight enables designers and developers to deliver media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. Silverlight offers a flexible and consistent programming model that supports AJAX and .NET managed code and integrates with existing Web applications. Web ADF developers can take advantage of Silverlight features to enhance user interactivity with the Web ADF. This demo theater will discuss and demonstrate techniques for integrating Microsoft Silverlight controls with Web ADF components and functionality.

Prerequisites: None

Leveraging Dynamic Display in ArcGIS Engine Applications
—Ralf Gottschalk, Yaron Fine
View the slides [PDF]
Listen and view the presentation [VIDEO]

This session will present best practices and examples for using dynamic display with ArcGIS Engine.

Prerequisites: None

Performing Network Analysis with Geoprocessing
—Deelesh Mandloi
This session will show some examples of how complex network analysis workflows can be easily achieved using the geoprocessing framework. We will cover topics about authoring geoprocessing models for network analysis and integrating external network analysis solvers using Python to extend the Network Analyst capabilities.

Prerequisites: Python, Network Analyst

Using Application Configurations to Roll Out a Customized ArcGIS Explorer 900 Experience
—Dara Hughes, Larry Young
Learn how to create and deploy ArcGIS Explorer application configurations to control and simplify your customer workflow. These configurations contain a bundle of maps, data references, user interface changes, and any additional custom plug-ins.

Prerequisites: None

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