What's new in 9.3.1

Summary This topic outlines the updates to the Web Application Developer Framework (ADF) included in ArcGIS 9.3.1 to enhance and streamline the usability and performance of the product.

In this topic
 

New Microsoft Bing Maps data source

Microsoft's Bing Maps platform (formerly known as Virtual Earth) provides access to map imagery and location based services.  Both have been integrated into the Web ADF as a new data source.  See the MapResourceManager, GeocodeResourceManager, or data source discussion for more information.

ArcGIS Server image service support
ArcGIS Server image services provide access to raster data hosted on the server.   The Web ADF can use image services as ArcGIS Server map resource items.  See the MapResourceManager or data source discussion for more information. 

Support ArcGIS Server MSD-based map services
ArcGIS Server 9.3.1 includes a new MSD-based map service type (sometimes referred to as "optimized map service") designed to optimize map rendering and dynamic map image creation.   Both MSD (map service document) and MXD based map services are supported by the ArcGIS Server data source in the ADF - both are considered an ArcGIS Server map resource.

Enhanced support for WMS services
  • WMS map resources support working with authenticated services.
  • Individual layers within a WMS service can be selected for use in a Map control.  The map resource item definition must be modified to define the subset of layers.

MapTip templates

A new templating model is available to customize map tip layout and content.  The default map tip style now includes rounded corners and a gradient fill.

PrintTask templates

A new templating model is available to customize printable output from the PrintTask.

Enhanced ScaleBar control
The ScaleBar control is now rendered on the client using pure browser logic (dynamic HTML, JavaScript).   You can still choose to use a server-side resource to generate a scale bar, if desired. 

New UserControlTask control

The UserControlTask enables a page developer to design the interface of a custom task using the drag-drop page style architecture of an ASP.NET User control.   The control provides public members for plugging into the ADF task framework and can be deployed in Manager. 

ArcWeb data source deprecated

Components that provide ArcWeb support in the ADF will be removed in the next minor release. 

Manager integration of server object extensions

Custom server object extensions (SOE) and their property pages can be integrated and administered within Manager.  See Walkthrough : Creating a server object extension available in ArcObjects SDK for Microsoft .Net under section Developing with ArcGIS > Developing with ArcGIS Server >  Extending ArcGIS Server.

New Visual Studio design-time resource manager dialog for ArcGIS Server resource items
In Visual Studio, the resource manager dialog for selecting and defining map, image, geocode, and geoprocessing service details for ArcGIS Server resource items has been updated.  See the usage section in the MapResourceManager, GeocodeResourceManager,or GeoprocessingResourceManager control topics for more information.

Geocode locator properties use service defined match properties as default

Candidate and match scores for an address are determined by the geocode service, not the Web ADF.  See the usage section in the GeocodeResourceManager control topic for more information.

Visual Studio design-time messaging standardized
The design-time display of control properties and warning messages in ADF controls has been standardized.   You will notice the change when adding and configuring ADF control in a page's design view. 

Web Mapping Application custom tools use partial postbacks
The Identify tool and Measure User control have been updated to work with the ASP.NET AJAX partial postback pattern.  Now they will initiate partial postbacks instead of callbacks during asynchronous communication with the server.