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About template applications
ArcGIS installation involves integration with Visual Studio, which allows users to use available templates that includes the basic layout and necessary implementation and code. Developers can leverage this and use these templates as a base, then add more content as required. Templates are available for all products (that is ArcGIS for Desktop, ArcGIS Engine, and ArcGIS for Server).
To create a Web mapping application, a Web Mapping Application template is provided when you create a Web site using Visual Studio. NET. This template is available for C# or VB .NET.
The primary advantage of building a Web application with a template is that much of the commonly used functionality is included, so you do not have to program it. As with any template, the look of it serves as a starting point for your Web application. You can easily customize the layout of the controls on the template and change elements, such as fonts and colors, to suit your needs. If you want to integrate the application into an existing Web site, you can add other components, such as company logos and site navigation tools, so that it looks like your existing Web pages integrate seamlessly into your Web site. You can also extend the functionality provided in a template and incorporate custom operations. That is when you will start programming with the Common and data source specific application programming interfaces (APIs).
Web Mapping Application template
The Web Mapping Application template provides basic map display capabilities. It consists of a main map, a table of contents ([TOC] legend), a toolbar, and an identify window (to display the results of the Identify tool). For any map-centric application, the Web Mapping Application template offers a good starting point.
For more information on how to get started with the Web ADF using the Web Mapping Application template, see How to create a Web application with a template.
For a comprehensive discussion of the Web Mapping Application capabilities and customization options, see Working with the Web Mapping Application.