Image extension

The ArcGIS Server Image extension is a license added to ArcGIS for Server to serve collections of imagery managed using mosaic datasets, either as image services or contained within other services, such as map services. There is no separate installation for this extension, it is part of the ArcGIS Server installation process.

If you are serving an image service, the following are true:

• Without the extension, you can serve individual raster datasets or raster dataset layers.
• With the extension, you can serve a mosaic dataset, a mosaic dataset layer that references many raster datasets, or a raster layer using the Mosaic function.

The ArcGIS Image extension adds the abilities to

• Put your valuable imagery into use quickly.
• Serve mosaicked imagery dynamically from the original imagery without the need to precompute the mosaics.
• Serve multiple views using the original imagery.
• Access the catalogs of imagery through an image service.
• Exploit overlapping imagery, perform on-the-fly image processing, and explore temporal changes using the advanced image serving capabilities of this extension.

License:

Map and globe documents can contain raster data, but if you are serving one that contains a mosaic dataset, the ArcGIS Image extension will be required.

Mosaic datasets

Mosaic datasets allow you to manage and serve large collections of raster and image data. Creating, editing, or working with mosaic datasets in ArcGIS for Desktop is not affected by the ArcGIS Image extension (there is no extension for ArcGIS for Desktop). You are required to have a Standard or Advanced license to create or edit mosaic datasets, which are created within a geodatabase. There is a Mosaic Dataset toolset within the Data Management toolbox that is used to create and edit mosaic datasets. Often, you will create and edit mosaic datasets within ArcMap where there are additional shortcut menu options to assist you. Users with Basic licenses will also be able to view mosaic datasets but cannot make any modifications.

Note:

Compiled image service definition files (.ISCDef), created using ArcGIS Image Server, are no longer published using ArcGIS for Server. You should convert the image service definition into a mosaic dataset (see Migrating an .ISDef to a mosaic dataset).