Q. Have the cartographic capabilities of ArcGIS Explorer for local data been improved?

A. Yes. ArcGIS Explorer now supports ArcGIS layer files and layer packages which enable ArcGIS Explorer users to view the same cartography as in ArcGIS Desktop. Users create layer files or packages using ArcMap or ArcGlobe.

Q. Will ArcGIS Explorer support Image Server?

A. Yes, but for this next release you'll have to create a layer file in ArcGIS Desktop, then add that to Explorer. We'll expand support for Image Server in a future release.

Q. I've implemented a home server, will this change when I install the new version?

A. Yes, the home server has been replaced by application configurations. Application configurations are easy to create and/or modify using the Application Configuration Manager. Using application configurations multiple configurations can be created and managed easily, and are easier to implement, manage, and deploy than than the previous home server implementation.

Q. Can an ArcGIS Explorer presentations run automatically?

A. Yes, presentations can be set to advance automatically at a specified time interval, and the map can be saved so that the presentation starts automatically when the map is opened.

Q. Can you include PowerPoint slides in an ArcGIS Explorer presentation?

A. Yes. PowerPoint slides can be saved from PowerPoint and added to ArcGIS Explorer as an image overlay. ArcGIS Explorer's presentation controls enable you to add and use multiple "slides," position the slides in a variety of ways, and control when they are displayed during the presentation. Image overlays can be used to add logos, text, or other graphics that can enhance any presentation.

Q. Does ArcGIS Explorer support projections?

A. Yes, ArcGIS Explorer has always projected data on-the-fly onto its globe. With the new option to display data in 2D mode, the map projection can bet set to any ArcGIS projection, and includes support for local transformations.

Q. What are the new file types in ArcGIS Explorer?

A. The new version of ArcGIS Explorer supports the following:

• NMF - ArcGIS Explorer map documents. You can save your existing map as a new map document, or open an existing map document.
• NMC - ArcGIS Explorer map content. When you select an item in Contents and export it, an .nmc file is created. NMC files can be used to add content to you map, or E-mail to share with others.
• EAZ - ArcGIS Explorer add-ins. Add-ins are created using the ArcGIS Explorer SDK and are used to extend ArcGIS Explorer's capabilities by connecting to geoprocessing or other services. Add-ins can be shared easily, and be can be added directly or included in an application configuration.
• NCFG - ArcGIS Explorer application configuration. An application configuration is used to control and customize a variety of application capabilities; functions can be enabled or disabled, controls on the ribbon can added, removed, or reorganized, a new default map can be specified, a custom startup banner or logo can be used, and much more. Application configurations can be shared like NMF files, but contain not only the "map" but the entire user experience as well.

Q. Will my existing ArcGIS Explorer NMF files work?

A. Yes, existing NMF files can be opened and used.

Q. Will my existing custom tasks work?

A. Custom tasks will need to be rebuilt using the new ArcGIS Explorer SDK. Add-ins replace task files and provide an easy way to manage and distribute custom controls that extend Explorer's capabilities.

Q. Will ArcGIS Explorer still be free?

A. Yes, ArcGIS Explorer is free, and can be freely distributed.

Q. I want to create an add-in, and sell that as part of my business to other Explorer users. Is this permitted?

A. Yes, developers can create custom add-ins and distribute those for free or for fee. There are no restrictions.

Q. If I use my data with ArcGIS Explorer, or use ArcGIS Online to share my data, do I give up any rights to my data to ESRI?

A. No, it's entirely your data and ESRI has no rights to it.