Supported functionality in map services

The following list shows which functionality is supported with the map services drawing engine:

Data types

The following data types are available:

• ArcSDE geodatabase
• File geodatabase
• Plug-in custom data types
• Query layers
• SDC
• Shapefile
• Raster
• Network dataset
• Text files
• Tracking data sources
• NetCDF

Layer symbology

The following layer symbology options are available:

• Graduated colors
• Graduated symbols
• Proportional symbols
• Representations (recommended for cached maps only)
• Single symbol
• Unique values
• Dot density
• Charts

Labeling

The Standard Label Engine is available, as well as annotation. The Maplex Label Engine is available but is recommended for cached maps only. VBScript-based label expressions are not supported on ArcGIS for Server (Linux). JavaScript and Python-based label expressions are supported.

Layer types

The following layer types are available:

• Annotation layer
• Feature layer
• Geodatabase raster catalog layer
• Group layer
• File-based raster catalog layer
• Raster layer
• Parcel fabric layer
• Mosaic layer (only available with an Image extension license on the server)
• Network Analysis layer
• Geostatistical layer
• Dimension layer
• TIN layers
• Terrain layers
• XY Route event layer
• XY event layer
• Tracking layer

Graphic elements

The following graphic elements are available:

• BMP picture element
• Circle element
• Ellipse element
• EMF picture element
• GIF picture element
• Group element
• Ink graphic
• JP2 picture element
• JPG picture element
• Line element
• Marker element
• Multipatch element
• Paragraph text element
• PNG picture element
• Polygon element
• Rectangle element
• Symbol background
• Symbol border
• Symbol shadow
• Text element
• TIF picture element

Dynamic layers

Dynamic layers allow clients to change layer appearance and behavior on the fly in a map service. Using dynamic layers, you can do the following things:

• Define which layers will appear in a map.
• Define whether labels will appear for a layer.
• Define layer symbology.
• Define how layers are rendered (simple, unique value, class breaks).
• Define the position and order of layers in the map.
• Remove an existing layer from the map.
• Add a new layer to the map.
• Modify joins to an existing layer/table.
• Add joins to an existing layer/table.
• Add joins to a new layer/external table.
• Force the server to perform a dynamic draw even if a tile cache is available.

Dynamic layers are supported by REST, COM, and non-Esri SOAP clients. Additionally, dynamic layers only support feature layers and raster layers from the following data sources:

• ArcSDE geodatabase
• File geodatabase
• Shapefile
• Raster
• Query layers (from ArcSDE enterprise geodatabase or non-SDE enterprise database only)

Raster symbology

Most raster symbology is available. The raster pan-sharpening filter is also available. Hillshading on the fly is not available.

Symbols

Most 2D symbols are available, but 3D symbols are not supported.

The following symbols are available:

• Arrow marker symbol
• Cartographic line symbol
• Character marker symbol
• Gradient fill symbol
• Hash line symbol
• Line fill symbol
• Marker fill symbol
• Marker line symbol
• Multilayer fill symbol
• Multilayer line symbol
• Multilayer marker symbol
• Picture line symbol
• Picture fill symbol
• Picture marker symbol
• Simple fill symbol
• Simple line symbol
• Simple marker symbol
• Text symbol

Cartographic representation rules are supported, although using representations with map services is recommended for cached maps only.

Miscellaneous

Additional features that are available include:

• All color ramp types
• All color types
• All number formats
• Bookmarks
• Callouts
• Definition queries/query expressions
  Note:

  Definition queries/query expressions cannot be modified programmatically through the map service. If you need to modify the query specified in your map service, you'll need to open the original map document, update the query, and then overwrite your map service. For full instructions, see Overwriting a service in ArcGIS for Desktop.

• HTML pop-up windows
• Hyperlinks
• Legends
• MapTips
• Stand-alone tables

Page layouts and display expressions are not available. Scale bars are available through the service's Web Service Description Language (WSDL) only.