ESRI

Building Custom ArcGIS Server Applications with JavaScript

So you need to develop a web mapping application using ArcGIS Server?  Perhaps you’re converting an old (really old) ArcIMS application or maybe building a new application from scratch.

Sure, you could build a bare bones, template based application using ArcGIS Server Manager in just a few minutes.  But you want more than that!  You want a fully customized application with the specific functionality you want to provide your end users and branded in your own way.  You don’t want your application to look like all those other generic applications already out there.

You know what you want to build but you aren’t sure how to go about getting it done.  If you have the budget maybe you could hire a consultant….but who has a budget for anything these days!  Besides, consultants don’t always deliver the expected results.

We’re all expected to do more with less.   Our bosses and clients expect the application to look great, function flawlessly….and be delivered tomorrow and within budget.  No problem right?

Whether due to budget constraints or perhaps just a desire to create the application in house you or your staff will be responsible for this job.  But developing custom web mapping applications is hardly a simple task for anyone new to programming and application development.

ArcGIS Server is a complex piece of software.   Almost all GIS Analysts and Technicians can use ArcGIS Desktop to create projects with the correct data loaded and symbolized.  They may even know how to publish these projects as services in ArcGIS Server.  But how does this data, published as a service, magically transform itself into a web mapping application that provides the functionality and design that you want.  It’s not magic….I can assure you that is not the case.

What we've got for you

The good news is that even novice programmers can learn how to build custom mapping applications with ArcGIS Server using the JavaScript API.

Even better, you can learn these skills from your office or home in a self-paced environment on the web.  Our instructors guide your training and are available to answer any questions or resolve problems as they arise.

This instructor guided course is delivered through our online Virtual GIS Classroom which can be accessed from anywhere (provided of course that you have an Internet connection).

“I wanted to let you know about the project that resulted from the ArcGIS JavaScript class I recently took with you. The site is www.eyesonpakistan.org, which I did through my job at AAAS and in cooperation with Amnesty International, USA. On the site, there is a section called interactive maps which utilizes a human rights database and maps I created. I used a variety of techniques from the course in the creation of the site and the things I learned were invaluable in its creation.”
-- Susan Wolfinbarger, American Association for the Advancement of Science

• All lectures are pre-recorded so you can watch them at your own pace and review as many times as you’d like.
• Bound hard copies of the lecture notes are also mailed to you before the class begins so that you can take notes while viewing the lectures.
• We also provide 35 exercises as part of this course.  Each is designed to supplement the information you learn in the lecture section of our course.

“This was an excellent course.” – Jeff Harahush --  Denver Regional Council of Governments

 

The Capstone Project is a final project designed to simulate the type of project that you will likely encounter in your work environment.  In a real-world project you will typically be presented with a list of functional specifications for an application and it will be up to you as a developer to build an application that meets those specs.  With this final project we provide you with a project similar to what you will find in a work setting.

Link to a video demonstration of a capstone project developed by a past student of our course, Chuck Failing of the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation.

Too busy to finish the course materials within our 5 week course session?  No problem.  All students have access to the course materials for a full year.  This includes any course updates that occur during that time.  Perfect for course review, updating, or for the student that just needs a little more time.

Traditional instructor led training is costly….travel, work down time, and expensive courses can all add up quickly.  Our web based training provides a cost effective means of developing the skills necessary for building web mapping applications – at a price you can’t beat.

“Liked the combination of slides and exercises. I learn best by example - your approach lets me type in code, and if it doesn't work I can check solution. More examples the better for me, everything I've ever learned about GIS programming came by starting with an example and modifying it. Thanks again, will likely take a course in the future.”  – Joe Spollen – Geodatamodelers

 

Meet Your Instructor
This course is taught by Eric Pimpler, M.S., GISP.  Mr. Pimpler is the founder and owner of GeoSpatial Training Services and has over 20 years of experience in the design, development, implementation, management, and training of GIS applications built upon the full suite of world-leading technology from ESRI and Google Earth/Maps technology.

Mr. Pimpler has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Texas A&M University and a Master's of Applied Geography degree with a concentration in GIS from Texas State University.

Benefits of Taking This Course
This course will teach you how to build high performance, attractive Web mapping applications using the lightweight, browser based ArcGIS Server JavaScript API.  No programming experience is necessary.  Even novice GIS programmers leave our course with the skills needed for building custom GIS web applications for your organization.

Course Modules

• Module 1: Introduction to ArcGIS Server 10.1 for Developers
• Module 2: Introduction to Dojo for ArcGIS Server Development
• Module 3: Introduction to Programming the ArcGIS Server API for JavaScript
• Module 4: Advanced Concepts of the ArcGIS Server API for JavaScript
• Module 5: Advanced Dojo Concepts

GISCI Education Credit: 80 Hours

New to Web Development with HTML/CSS/JavaScript?
If you're completely new to HTML/CSS/JavaScript we suggest that you take our free online course HTML and CSS for Complete Beginners.  You can enter this course free using a 'guest' login. 

Traditional Instructor Led
None scheduled at this time

Live, Online, Instructor Led
July 22nd - 24th
$1200 $999 (when you register by May 30th)

Online - Virtual GIS Classroom (self paced with access to the instructor for questions/problems)
May 6th - June 7th
$715

June 3rd - July 3rd
$715 $567 (when you register by May 15th)

August 19th - September 20th
$715 $567 (when you register by June 30th)

We offer the option of purchasing bound hard copies of the lecture notes for this course as well.  Course notes are delivered by regular mail service within 5-7 days of purchase.  (U.S. and Canada only). We do provide all course notes in PDF format inside the course website so you can print your own lecture notes as well.

Course Notes: $75.00

Purchase by Email, Fax, Regular Mail
Registration Form

This is an instructor assisted course taught in a Virtual GIS Classroom using the same technologies implemented by colleges and universities around the world to deliver Internet based courses. Our new Virtual GIS Classroom blends the best of instructor led and e-learning formats into a new instructor guided web based format that allows for interactivity between the instructor and student, and between students. The Virtual GIS Classroom Internet platform has the following features for each course:

• Audio and video lectures
• Video software demonstrations
• Supporting exercises and data
• Class forums and chats
• Supplemental reading materials
• Much more!

Software Requirements
Web Browser, Text Editor such as jEdit or Notepad++

Who Should Attend?
This course is geared toward all levels of GIS professionals who need to create Rich Internet GIS Applications. No programming experience is necessary though it is helpful to have some knowledge and or experience of programming concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have ArcGIS Server installed at my workplace or home?
No, you do not need to have ArcGIS Server installed at your workplace or at home. We will be accessing a publicly available instance of ArcGIS Server. You do need access to the Internet and it is highly recommended that you have a high-speed connection. Dial-up connections do not work very well for this type of course.

What software do I need to purchase for the course?
You don’t need to purchase any software. As I mentioned above, we will be accessing a publicly available instance of ArcGIS Server. You will need a text or HTML editor. I recommend jEdit or Notepad++, but you can use whatever editor you are comfortable using.

Are there any particular times when I need to be present in the class?
No, this course is completely self paced and we typically have people from around the world in classes of this type so we don’t have a specific time period when you need to be present. These classes are designed for individuals who need high level training, but on a flexible schedule. The course is open through a secure server 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We do schedule a weekly chat session which is a good opportunity for everyone to come together to discuss the course. This session is not mandatory though.

What happens if I don’t finish in the allotted time?
Although the course is scheduled to finish within a 5 week timeframe you do have access to the course site for a full year which allows for ample time to finish the courses and review as necessary.

How will I interact with the instructor if I have questions or problems?
You will have access to the course instructor through chat, email, discussion boards, and phone. Our policy is to answer all questions within 24 hours, but during weekdays we normally respond within a few hours. Chat sessions are scheduled for the entire class once per week, and you can also schedule one on one chat sessions for private interaction with the instructor.

In what format is the course delivered?
The course is delivered through a secure Internet site that requires registration. All lectures are delivered via a Flash format that contains both audio and video lecture materials. Exercises are delivered though the course site in Adobe (PDF) format. All exercises access data through the Internet.

What will I receive upon completion of the course?
Upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate of completion which can be used for education credits toward your GISP certification through GISCI.

Do I need programming experience to complete the course?
While some programming experience is certainly helpful, we provide a good foundation for the beginning programmer with this course. JavaScript is a good language to learn for beginners who are looking to get a quick start with creating web applications with ArcGIS Server.

Do I receive any hardcopy materials?
Bound hard copies of the lecture notes are available for purchase.  We also provide the lecture notes in a PDF format which you can use to print on your own as an alternative.