The Tracking Simulator

The Tracking Simulator is a utility that allows you to transmit data to Tracking Server for simulation and testing. It also gives you the ability to convert features with date/time fields into simulator files for use with the Tracking Simulator.

Learn how to create simulator files for the Tracking Simulator

Transmitting Data Using the Tracking Simulator

To transmit data using the Tracking Simulator, you must have a message definition (and service) that corresponds to the simulator file message format. If you used the Tracking Simulator to create your simulator files, then a .dsd file containing a message definition was created for you. You can import the .dsd file into Tracking Server as a new message definition and create tracking services from it before following this procedure.

Steps:

1. Open the Tracking Simulator by going to Start > Programs > ArcGIS > Tracking Server > Utilities > Tracking Simulator.
2. Click Browse to go to the .xml file that contains your simulator data.
3. Click Start to begin sending the data. The button label will toggle to Stop after the simulator is running.

   The Data Rate text box determines the rate at which data messages will be transmitted. You can check the Continuous Loop check box to make the simulator loop through the file and continue running indefinitely. You can also check the Burst option to have the simulator send bursts of data messages for a set period and increment.

   Tip:

   By default, the Tracking Simulator will place a new date/time stamp on every message according to the system clock. You can change this by selecting File > Options from the main menu. If you select the option to Leave date/time in messages as found in file, be sure to accommodate for that in the time window on your clients.
4. While the Tracking Simulator is running, you can change the rate at which data messages are being transmitted. You can click Stop at any time to stop the flow of data messages from the Tracking Simulator.