Feature Layers
Can someone explain what feature layers are in layman's terms and some examples
of their usage? Can't see a good explanation anywhere that simplifies it.
Thanks,
Ryan
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Hi Chris,
I'll assume you're talking about the Silverlight Viewer here.
First off, can you post your site configuration for this layer so that I can check to see that you haven't done anything wrong?
Feature Layers do work quite well in the Silverlight Viewer, and all the functionality you just listed does indeed work for feature layers. I even just tested it out to be sure. However, this does come with a big caveat which is that we've had some reports of problems cropping with feature layers that come from a FeatureServer (rather than MapServer). It sounds like your data is coming from a FeatureServer. We will be addressing the FeatureServer problems for the Silverlight Viewer 1.2 release, which should be out in the next few weeks.
For now your best bet (assuming your config is OK) is probably to duplicate the layer in another map service so that you can identify, run reports, etc., though it doesn't help you to toggle visibility. You might be able to get around that by setting the FeatureLayer to "SelectionOnly" mode so that it doesn't actually display until features are selected. Then the display is handled by the dynamic map service for unselected features. This sort of rendering option can work better anyway, since feature layer performance tends to bog down with a lot of features since they're all downloaded and drawn on the client.
Jeff
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The config looks good.
If you set the IncludeInLayerList attribute of the FeatureLayer to true, then you'll see it in the layer list, but it will look a little odd because you'll see what looks like a layer containing itself. But if you click on the top-level layer it will at least allow you to toggle the visibility.
Jeff
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Jeff,
What I have done, that is probably not the optimal solution but works well enough. I add my feature layers in a Module as opposed to in the Site definition. This actually does give me nice control because I can add/remove what FeatureLayers I want in my module configuration as opposed to having to change the Site. This also allows the ability to turn on/off these layers in the TOC. One shortcoming of this approach is that the layers are listed under the Graphics Layer group in the TOC (FeatureLayer is a subclass of GraphicsLayer). I look forward to seeing the advances in the 1.2 release for handling FeatureLayers.
-Joe
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Hey Jeff,
Could I arrange a GoToMeeting with you - I understand the recommendations you are making but they don't seem to have any affect on my site.
Chris
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Hi Chris,
At this time we would recommend that you contact Geocortex Support (support@latitudegeo.com) to open a case to review this issue in more detail with one of our support technicians.
Cheers,
Jade
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Currently to turn a FeatureLayer from a FeatureService on and off you do need to include the FeatureLayer itself in your layer list as this is the element that will be toggleable. You can set the geocortex Layer that it wraps to not be included in the Layer List, and then it will look as if it is a normal layer.
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Hi Ryan,
Feature layers are a big topic. I'd rather refer you to ESRI's online help which is quite well written for a solid explanation. See:
Feature class basics - http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//003n00000005000000
and
A short history lesson on simple features - http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//018r00000004000000
regards,
Edmond
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