ArcGIS Server Maps in Microstation: Easy as Pie

I frequently borrow this device from a neighbor of mine (pictured here), which peels, slices and cores apples. It reinforces my idea that in the design of anything there must be more simple and effective solution just waiting to be discovered. As an amature sailboat designer I am haunted by this contraption as an example of what “could be”, because to me it does exactly what I want to do to an apple for making pie or cobbler. This device exceeds my expectations and even delights me when I use it. This device is not new; it is just new to me.

Something that is not new, but is relatively new to me is the use of ArcGIS Server maps served via WMS in Microstation. Microstation has had the ability to display WMS maps served by ArcGIS Server and other WMS sources for a while now, however with Microstation 8i this functionality includes a user interface in core Microstation that makes it easy to incorporate ArcGIS Server maps into my Microstation drawings.

WMS capabilities are just a checkbox option when publishing maps to ArcGIS Server. After creating maps in ArcGIS desktop, now I personally have a reason to check the WMS service checkbox when publishing my maps to ArcGIS Server. The same maps that I can use in ArcGIS for AutoCAD in the form of a Map Service are also available to me in Microstation as a WMS Service using the same ArcGIS Server.

The apple cobbler my daughter and I made last night tasted good and was fun to make.