OpenLayers, ESRI and ArcGIS Server Resource Page
The ArcGIS Server REST[ful] API has been a wonderful addition to the ESRI developer world. I’ve seen more people talking and deploying RESTful API applications since it was released than I did with 9.2 (YMMV of course). One thing about it though is there still isn’t a community built around it. Sure the forums are there, but even those are not as dynamic as they should be. The Server Resource Page is very static and developers cannot add comments or suggestions to the code examples or the API reference for others to learn by. I’ll be bringing this up yet once again at the ESRI Developer Summit at what will hopefully be a JavaScript SIG (Not at the same time as the .NET SIG please).
That brings me to OpenLayers and ArcGIS Server. The RESTful API gives easy access to ESRI ArcGIS Server services to OpenLayers and other APIs, yet there is no way to collaborate such development on the ESRI community pages. I’d like to see ESRI adopt OpenLayers as readily as they have adopted Flex, Google and Microsoft APIs so that ESRI developers can deliver the applications their clients demand. There is some really good code floating around there for using ArcGIS Server REST API with OpenLayers, just not where it probably belongs to get ESRI developers started. For now just head on over to the OpenLayers email list or IRC and get involved.
Being RESTful with ESRI Server
“… a wonderful addition …”
Really though? It can’t fetch a tile from a non-fused tile cache. We didn’t get OpenLayers by waiting on ESRI, I’d think we’d be better off writing our own REST API.
If a fused cache is a problem then don’t use it. Tons of other options. shrug
You don’t need a REST API to use OpenLayers with ArcGIS Servers
I’ve been looking at OpenLayers from afar and had no idea I could use it with 9.3. Something I’ll definitely be looking at.
Why did ESRI create their own Javascript API and not use OpenLayers?
@Larry,
We’ve developed an ESRI/OpenLayers/ext.js project at http://www.longislandindexmaps.org .
It’s a fully operational, production-level site with AGS 9.2 & SDE & WMS on the backend and a customized OpenLayers/ext frontend. We also use Microsoft’s VE API to integrate bird’s-eye view photos (click on the map, then click the red marker).
So far it’s been a generally positive experience using this particular combo of mapping/web tools. And ext enables us to relatively easily implement neat tools like dynamic transparencies.
We’ll be exploring 9.3 shortly. We’d be glad to compare notes.
Lets see…
I thought there was some talk about in the beta forums about WMS support for the JS api. Anyone know what happend?
You’re on the money here James. OpenLayers was actually mentioned at the FedUC last year in conjunction with the REST API. Of course, it was never stated there would be anything out of the box to support it (like the GMaps and VE extenders).
Nonetheless, OpenLayers is a much more portable solution compared to Google Maps and Virtual Earth. There are environments where ESRI technologies are prevalent and where OpenLayers could be accredited with little trouble. The marriage of the two would extend the reach of ESRI technologies in a very useful way in addition to increasing exposure to OpenLayers.
Bill
To throw my 2 cents into this mix – we just finished an internal app for a State Gov’t client that uses OpenLayers backed by a set of custom services and WMS from ArcGIS Server 9.2. The team was very happy working with OpenLayers, and we are looking to do more with it.
I have not played with the OL2.6 ArcGIS 9.3 “extensions” but it would be really sweet to see that make it into the OL trunk. More options is always a good thing.
Cheers,
Dave
To Steven Romalewski,
Thats a really neat interface you have at
http://www.longislandindexmaps.org/
Well done. How long did it take to build it? (I mean just the javascript/.NET/Charts — not the ArcGIS part)