10/20/09–As we mentioned in last week's post about our live training seminar, we had about 150 questions from the audience. Because we couldn't get to most of them, we promised we'd answer some of them in later posts. Today, we'll address a few of the functionality questions. First though, the answer to an important general question:

Is this presentation recorded? If yes, where can I find the recorded seminar?
Yes, the seminar was recorded. Access the recording from the Live Training Seminar page.

Do we need the server software to share the webmaps?
No. Sharing your ArcGIS Online Web maps does not require any software. You do need ArcGIS Server to create the services that make up a Web map. However, there are lots of publicly available services you can use in your map. See ArcGIS Online Help for more information about creating and sharing Web maps.

If I update a layer package (say, with additional edits), can I do so without having to delete and add it again in ArcGIS Online?
Yes, you can update a file without having to delete and add it again. You do this through the item properties page in My Content. When you update the file in ArcGIS Online, you decide if you want to maintain the item properties information as displayed in ArcGIS Online (which you may have edited) or use the properties from the uploaded file (which will overwrite any of your edits). See ArcGIS Online Help for more information about updating files.

Can live editing (drawing boxes, lines, on the map) be done while working on online maps, and not use the 'upload files' button?
We are currently researching feature editing on Web maps. You will still have to use the Add Item button to add map and layer files. See ArcGIS Online Help for more information on adding your maps and layers.

Is there a file size restriction on files that can be uploaded? Is the limit per account, per map, or per timeframe?
Yes. You can upload items up to 1 GB in size. Each account can have a total of 1 GB worth of stored items. In My Content, each item size is listed so you can track your total storage.

Can you share with a specific individual by emailing that person?  Or do they have to be a member of some group?
Yes, you can share your maps via email if they are shared with everybody (which means they are public). Web maps can be shared directly by copying/pasting the URL into an email. Your email recipients will see your actual Web map.

For other types of public items (e.g., Explorer layers, Map documents), you can share the item properties page. You can also share public group description and content pages. See ArcGIS Online Help for more information about creating and sharing URLs.

Can you publish/view legends in ArcGIS Online?
Legends are maintained in your shared map and layer files. However, the REST API does not currently support legends which means that by default, legends for services and the Web maps cannot be published or viewed in ArcGIS Online. However, you can customize your REST Web mapping applications so they create legends. See the ArcGIS API for JavaScript Code Gallery for a sample JavaScript application that includes a legend.

Can I access ArcGIS Mobile Map in ArcGIS Online or share those maps? How about sharing/viewing online maps for mobile applications? How about for a BlackBerry device?
ArcGIS Mobile is a Windows Mobile app only right now and doesn't currently work with ArcGIS Online map and task services. We are currently researching support for other mobile devices, such as, the iPhone and phones from Blackberry. On a related note, at the 2009 UC, we announced support for an ArcGIS API for iPhone. We also addressed our current support for BlackBerry devices.

We'll address another set of questions from the seminar audience in a few weeks. In the meantime, take advantage of the forums to ask any questions you have about ArcGIS Online.