Keith Olsen's 2006 ESRI User Conference Notes, August 5-10th 2006

Advanced Modeling and Scripting with Geoprocessing

  • Python can be used to create MS office files (excel).
  • Info table field names and values can be modified with the geoprsr.
  • XYDomain to change in ArcGIS 9.2 with high-precision geoDB no-fuss extents. Automatically set to include most any geographic area.
  • Python files can be run with the windows scheduler
  • Window message boxes can be opened with the win32UI module in python
  • Python can be used to send email (which can be used to call cell phone)
  • Feature classes can be organized with sub-types (organizational)
  • Python can create zip files.
  • Count tool. Returns num of records in tables or feature classes.

    Creating Quick and Accurate Texture-Mapped 3D Feature content for 3D Visualization

  • Use imagine photogrammetry suite to create high res ortho-rectified imagery
  • Use this data to create 3D building wire frames that can be draped with photo textures.

    Developing with ArcGIS Server and ArcIMS Web ADF for the .NET Framework

  • Lots of acronyms (API, ADF, AJAX, SOAP, ASP.NET)
  • 9.2 to use Visual Studio 2005 and .NET 2.0
  • New Web Application Development Framework
  • 21+ Web controls out of the box
  • Develop web mapping application with icons, task controls (results, TOC, navigation, overview map, magnifier)
  • Able to load in many custom datasets (REXML, xml)
  • Able to load virtual earth data
  • Task framework with task manager control and pluggable task objects
  • Can create web mapping application with ArcGIS Server Manager (point and click)
  • ArcGIS explorer (3D, google earth like) as thin client to arcGIS server.
  • Author with desktop (2D) or globe (3D), publish with arcGIS server manager, user connects with free explorer download (3D) or browser (2D)
  • Able to load and export KML (keyhole markup language) to be used in Google Earth
  • arcGIS server supports tiled cashing on server. ‘Cook’ several resolutions on server at set scales.
  • Geoprocessing services are asynchronous for paralled processing
  • WSDL is often used in combination with SOAP and XML Schema to provide web services over the internet. A client program connecting to a web service can read the WSDL to determine what functions are available on the server. Any special datatypes used are embedded in the WSDL file in the form of XML Schema. The client can then use SOAP to actually call one of the functions listed in the WSDL.
  • SOAP is a protocol for exchanging XML-based messages over a computer network, normally using HTTP.
  • Different stories on future of ArcIMS. ArcGIS server is where the development energy is concentrated, but arcIMS has been updated to similar point and click environment. IMS is supposedly still faster when you have many images and maps being served.

    ArcGIS Explorer

  • Author with arcMap or Globe (.mxd or .3dd)
  • Setup server, startup service, publish to ArcCatalogue
  • Once service is published, like electricity, it can be used anytime.
  • Connect to service with explorer over internet
  • Can connect to arcIMS, WMS, ArcGIS server, or any custom web service
  • Can load local content at same time as web service.
  • http://www.esri.com/explorer/
  • ArcGIS explorer resource center – user services
  • 2D and 3D globes – cartographically designed
  • pluggable tasks for explorer and desktop

    Cartographic Effects

  • PLTS – Map production and automation software
  • Foreground vs. background. Creating contrast
  • Geogrid, latlong, use graticule to promote background.
  • Bump mapping
  • Create random distribution of points with cone symbol
  • Add to DEM
  • Map with hillshade
  • Mimic sun glints on water bodies – use color gradients (44, 100, 135)
  • Remove parts of symbology with geometric effects
  • Streams – add waves and streamline effects (match end widths)
  • 9.2 representation framework – cartographic data stored with feature data in table
  • Adjust converging and coincident boundaries
  • Create custom markers – load glyphs and convert to graphics – save, edit and share
  • Vertical coincidence – advanced masking to create bridge symbology, ect. – takes into account symbol widths.

    Statistical Modeling

  • Descriptive, predictive, response, classification, patterns
  • Descriptive – histogram, focal functions, zonal stats
  • Predictive – density (known commodity, not making up data)
  • Interpolation (spline, trend, nearest neighbor, kriging, IDW (inverse distance weighting), variography)
  • Deterministic vs. geostatistic
  • Regression – logistic (presence/absence), binary
  • Regression – linear – establish relationships between attributes
  • dependant variables (continuous) – what you are modeling
  • independent variables – associated with what you are modeling
  • autocorrelation – bad
  • spatial regression – more general than linear regression

    3D Analyst (3D visualization with ArcGlobe)

  • COM based, VBA.NET, python accessible
  • ArcGlobe – 3D bookmarks, tile cashed, customizable level of detail
  • TOC type tab – layers can be elevation, draped on elevation, or floating features
  • transparency is supported
  • 3D studio is memory based and probably being phased out
  • Import 3D models from freeware (sketchup)
  • Hardware recommendations for arcGlobe
  • 1gb ram
  • 128mb OpenGL 1.1 compatable graphics card – Anisotropic filtering reduces flickering in globe.
  • AGP 8x, PCI express bus
  • 2.4ghz cpu
  • High speed hard drive
  • Aviod on-the-fly projection to improve initial view time
  • KML export without textures
  • Can publish PMF files for arcReader including animations
  • Cache settings can be saved in .lyr files for common layers.
  • Data DVD that came with globe has DEM data
  • Floating layers – deformed with DEM or deformed with layer value
  • Can set see-through positions of multiple layers
  • 3D text supports annotation layers
  • 3D markers
  • Geocoding address finder can be accessed through arcWeb services to zoom to places on globe.
  • KML can support rasters in google earth
  • Layer transparency can be animated.
  • Simultaneous animation of layer transparency and position.
  • Sophisticated animation control