The next release of ArcGIS (9.4) will focus on the following four key themes:
Enterprise Readiness
Continue to expand ArcGIS Server’s capabilities in respect to platforms, scalability, and security through focus on UNIX/Linux and Java support, dynamic map performance, and rich Internet application support (Flex) as well as enhancements to Tracking Server.
Productivity for ArcGIS Professionals
Simplify the user experience, streamline workflows for increased productivity, and promote collaboration with easier sharing of information. Enhancements are planned in the areas of advanced modeling, 4D analysis and visualization, map scripting, and modeling of non-spatial and temporal features among others.
Geospatial Enabled Application Development and Rapid Deployment
Building on the new capabilities at ArcGIS 9.3, the next release will continue to expand the functionality to easily and quickly deploy systems throughout the enterprise. In ArcGIS Explorer, a new look for the user interface, 2D and 3D integration, and mark-up/collaboration are planned. In ArcGIS Online, enhancements include universal find, geoprocessing, and catalog services. ArcGIS Mobile will include enhanced routing and navigation as well as support for professional GPS and additional platforms.
GIS Solutions for Business Users
ArcGIS 9.4 will extend the solution product offerings to the ArcGIS platform to build a set of tiered solutions for business and logistics. Within the Business Analyst suite, Business Analyst Online will be migrated to the Business Analyst Server platform. Also an integrated logistics solution that leverages ArcLogistics, Network Analyst, and StreetMap Mobile is planned.
Additional Features
ArcGIS 9.4 will support the ability to check out licenses and borrow licenses from a central license manager and for use in the field.
At 9.4, ESRI will focus more on desktop to desktop (CAD and GIS) interoperability with particular emphasis on improving and simplifying how Microstation and AutoCAD data is integrated into ArcMap and migrated to the geodatabase. This will include improvements to the way GIS data is shared with Microstation users. Improvements to the ArcGIS for AutoCAD plug-in are also ongoing. This activity will move forward with the goal of making ArcGIS for AutoCAD an editor of the geodatabase and a rich client of ArcGIS Server.
Search - At 9.4, ESRI is launching an ambitious effort to have search capabilities deeply integrated into all elements of ArcGIS. This will allow users to automatically create and discover various GIS resources using simple search tools. Users will have search tools integrated in their desktop that search local files, workgroup servers, enterprise servers and the open Web. For example, a user may need a water resources data set in England. He would simply type that in and search. This will require that ArcGIS automatically stamp simple discoverable metadata on all objects that it touches—data, models, maps, workflows, documents, etc.
ArcGIS 9.4 will have a strong focus on improving the desktop user experience with an editing environment that relieves users of the need to manage geodatabase details, new geoprocessing tools that perform editing functions; powerful search functionality, a new user interface that will let users simplify applications (e.g., ArcMap) for an optimal workflow, and more flexible toolbar behavior and management.
We will be overhauling the metadata editor as part of our metadata creation, management, and data sharing improvements in ArcGIS 9.4.
Analytical Tools. ArcGIS 9.3 supports a suite of new 3D analytical tools (i.e., proximity, intersection, etc.) exposed through the ArcObjects API. At 9.4, ESRI plans to extend this functionality as geoprocessing tasks and end user tools, exposed directly in the user interface. Also at 9.4, ESRI will be introducing a whole series of new tools for 3D editing (moving 3D objects around), interactive texture rendering, terrain editing, and higher performance visual display.
In ArcGIS 9.4, ESRI plans to add additional collaboration tools to allow easier sharing of notes and markups.
[via http://events.esri.com/uc/QandA/index.cfm?fuseaction=printall&ConferenceID=85D7FF7F-1422-2413-199D382F1109DE0A]
Written and submitted from Home, using my 802.11g WiFi network.
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