Here's an overview (with more detail than we covered in our previous What's New post) of specific enhancements and additions found in the newly released ArcGIS Explorer 1500 SDK. An overview of the SDK can be found in the ArcGIS Explorer help and more details can be found in the ArcGIS Explorer SDK help.

New Add-In Types: CheckBox and ComboBox

Two new extensibility points are supported – CheckBox and ComboBox. A CheckBox displays on the ribbon and can run code when the box is checked or unchecked by the user. A ComboBox displays on the ribbon and can run code when an item from the drop down list is selected or the user types into the list.

New API Types and Members

There are numerous additions to the ArcGIS Explorer API, driven by user requests, for example: loading and saving documents; progress helper cancellation; multiple-item support for GraphicClicked and MapItemClicked events; numerous new track-shape options; display mode change events. Review the New API Types And Members topic in the Developer Help system for full details.

New Application Conditions

Various new application conditions have been added to help determine when single types of item are selected in the Contents. (Application conditions are pre-defined application states that can be used to determine when add-in controls are enabled or disabled on the Ribbon).

Support for Visual Studio 2010

All samples and templates are now supported in both Visual Studio 2008 Professional and Express editions, and in Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate, Professional, Premium, and Express editions. Reference and conceptual help are available in both editions of Visual Studio via F1 or the Start Menu shortcut links.

Updated Reference and Conceptual Help

Several updates to the reference and conceptual help including information on Symbols, Graphics, Presentations, Proxy Servers, and Default Settings. Also up-to-date information on working with the Visual Studio Express editions and the .NET prerequisites.

 Updated Samples

Samples have been updated to maintain consistency, reflect best practices, and support the current .NET requirements for ArcGIS Explorer. Additionally, Samples are supported in both Visual Studio 2008 and Visual Studio 2010 editions.

 Visual Studio Tools for ArcGIS Explorer

The Addins.xml manifest files now support Intellisense in Visual Studio, assisting manual edits to the manifest. Templates have been added for the new add-in types: Checkbox and Combobox. Additionally, there have been several minor fixes to the ArcGIS Explorer Add-In wizards.