Frequently asked questions
Listed below are questions or issues you may encounter when working with Data Appliance 5.1 for ArcGIS content and some recommended solutions.
- How does the Data Appliance for ArcGIS work?
- How do I set up the Data Appliance for ArcGIS?
- Where does the data come from?
- What services are available?
- Are there any use restrictions when using map services?
- What applications can I use to view and work with maps from Data Appliance for ArcGIS?
- How can I tell which version of Data Appliance for ArcGIS I own?
- Why do some parts of the service appear to be missing?
- Are updates available for this data?
- Why does the image quality of the 2D services seem to vary in ArcMap?
- How do I configure my server to display a "Data Not Available" tile?
How does the Data Appliance for ArcGIS work?
The Data Appliance for ArcGIS contains maps that you can publish on ArcGIS for Server. The maps have been cached at a set of fixed scale levels for optimum performance. Once you publish these maps to your GIS server, you can use them in any ArcGIS for Server client application, such as ArcGIS Explorer, ArcMap, ArcGlobe, ArcReader or web and mobile mapping applications.
How do I set up the Data Appliance for ArcGIS?
You set up the Data Appliance for ArcGIS by connecting the appliance to your GIS server, then publishing the appliance's maps through ArcGIS for Server. The service definitions or map documents you'll need to publish, as well as their associated map caches, are included with each Data Appliance for ArcGIS data collection.
There is a paper quick start guide for your configuration that was included in the box with Data Appliance for ArcGIS. You can also view the Quick Start Guides online.
If you've published an ArcGIS for Server service before, you may find this process very familiar. If you're new to publishing services or working with ArcGIS for Server, you'll find instructions in Deploying the Data Appliance on ArcGIS 10.1 for Server and Deploying the Data Appliance on ArcGIS Server 10.
Where does the data come from?
The content used with the Data Appliance for ArcGIS is the same content you see online with some exceptions. A complete list of data sources is included with the description for each service.
What services are available?
For a complete list of available services, see the Data collection service summary table.
Are there any use restrictions when using map services?
The data is provided by multiple, third-party data vendors under license to Esri for inclusion on Data Appliance for ArcGIS for use with Esri software. Redistribution rights are granted by Esri and the data vendor for hard-copy renditions or static, electronic map images (for example, .gif, .jpg) that are plotted, printed, or publicly displayed with proper metadata and source/copyright attribution to the respective data vendor/vendors. For copyright/attribution information, see the service description for a specific map service in the Data collection service summary table.
What applications can I use to view and work with maps from Data Appliance for ArcGIS?
You can use Data Appliance for ArcGIS maps in any application that can connect to ArcGIS for Server. These include ArcGIS Explorer, ArcGIS for Desktop and Engine applications, ArcGIS.com, web mapping applications built with ArcGIS Web Mapping APIs, and ArcGIS for Mobile applications.
How can I tell which version of Data Appliance for ArcGIS I own?
You can see which version of Data Appliance for ArcGIS you own by viewing Publication details and distribution rights.
Why do some parts of the service appear to be missing?
Not all services have complete global coverage at all scale levels. If large areas of a service do not appear, it's likely that the data for that particular area does not exist or has not been made available for public use by the owner.
If you see small, contained areas that seem to have missing data tiles, there may be an issue with the map image cache stored on the server or copied to your computer. You can promote the quality of Data Appliance for ArcGIS services by posting feedback to the ArcGIS Online Forum. Be sure to report the service, the latitude and longitude of the missing area, and the altitude or scale at which the data is missing.
Are updates available for this data?
Yes, Esri creates regular updates for the data on the Data Appliance. Data Appliance for ArcGIS users have the option for annual or semiannual updates to the data, depending on which renewal option they purchase. Contact your Esri sales representative for details.
Why does the image quality of the 2D services seem to vary in ArcMap?
The Data Appliance for ArcGIS uses a set of map images cached at certain scale levels. As you zoom to different scales in ArcMap, ArcMap will display the map image that corresponds to the closest cached scale level to what you are viewing. The image will then be resampled to fit the scale you are viewing in ArcMap. Consequently, the clarity of some features and labels from the Data Appliance for ArcGIS will vary as you change scale levels, in proportion to the degree of resampling taking place. You will achieve the most clarity at or around the scales at which the services were cached. You can view a list of these scale levels on the Source tab of the Layer Properties for each service.
How do I configure my server to display a "Data Not Available" tile?
The Data Appliance for ArcGIS is preconfigured so that the ArcGIS for Server tile handler automatically returns a blank or no data tile for empty map areas.