Using feature services
Clients can access feature services using either a Web client or ArcGIS Desktop.
The JavaScript, Flex, and Silverlight APIs are provided for Web developers to build clients that can query and edit through feature services. These APIs access feature services through REST endpoints. Developers can build client applications that use the layers and types from the service to make queries and draw features with the appropriate symbology. Templates provided by the service can also be used to build editing applications. To access a feature service through a Web client, the feature service URL should be used. To acquire the URL for a feature service, see the steps below.
In ArcGIS Desktop, commands are provided for working with feature services in ArcMap. When a map service with feature access is added to ArcMap, the Create Local Copy for Editing command becomes enabled on the map service context menu. You then pan and zoom to an area you want to edit and click the Create Local Copy for Editing command. This copies the layers and data from the service to the client machine for the area shown in ArcMap. The layers contain the symbology and template information from the published map document. The ArcMap editor can then make edits to the local data taking advantage of the symbology and templates. Once the edits are complete, the Synchronize Local Edits With Server and Disconnect Local Copy From Server command on the group layer context menu can be used to apply the edits to the service.
- Start ArcGIS Server Manager and log in. For additional help with this step, see Logging in to Manager.
- Under the Services tab in ArcGIS Server Manager, click Manage Services.
- Click the Services in arrow and navigate to the service folder containing your published service.
- Your service should be listed with its status as Started. If the status is shown as Stopped, click the check box beside your service and click the Start button.
- To acquire the URL for your feature service, click the edit icon to open the properties dialog box.
- Click the Capabilities tab.
- Highlight the Feature Access option under the Select and configure capabilities window. This displays the feature service properties.
- The URL for the feature service is located in the Web Access window. This is the URL that you and others will use to connect to the feature service you have published.
For more information, visit the following topics in the ArcGIS Desktop Help.
About editing data from ArcGIS Server