Getting Started with Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS

A few weeks ago we held a Live Training Seminar introducing the Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS. Monitoring Data Using Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS is available on the Esri Training web site so if you missed it you can sign in with your Esri Global account and watch it now! There were a lot of great questions asked over the course of the day and unfortunately we could not answer all of them during the Q&A.

Here are the top 5 questions:

1. Is the Operations Dashboard a web app or a desktop app and what platforms does it run on?
   The Operations Dashboard is a native Windows app developed using the ArcGIS Runtime SDK for WPF.  As a native Windows app, the Dashboard can take advantage of the processing power of your PC, it’s interface is not confined to running inside of a web browser and can be used across multiple monitors. The Dashboard is available for Windows 7/8 desktops and tablets. It is not available today for iPads or Android Tablets.
2. How do I install it on my PC and what is installed?
   You can download the Dashboard here or by searching ArcGIS Online for “Operations Dashboard”. It downloads and installs the app along with the WPF runtime into your local profile and does not require that you be an administrator on the PC. When we update the Dashboard inside of ArcGIS Online it will automatically update your installed version of the Dashboard. The only prerequisite for install is that you have the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 installed on your PC.
3. Does the Operations Dashboard work with my ArcGIS Server or do I have to have an ArcGIS Online subscription?
   The Operations Dashboard leverages the named user identity, sharing and permissions that are part of your ArcGIS Online subscription or Portal. So you need to have either a subscription to ArcGIS Online or Portal for ArcGIS to use the Dashboard. ArcGIS Online fully supports ArcGIS Server and you can leverage services that you create using ArcGIS Server inside of the Dashboard.
4. How do you make data in your map move around on the screen?
   The Operations Dashboard works with static and dynamically changing data sources. Dynamic data sources must be published as 10.1 feature services to update within the Dashboard. If you have dynamic data sources today you need to write connectors to ArcGIS Server that will update feature services. At the 10.2 release of ArcGIS Server we are introducing a new extension called the GeoEvent Processor for ArcGIS Server. This extension is used to power the Try it Live services described in our tutorial.
5. Is the source code for the Dashboard available or how can I extend it’s capabilities?
   We have not provided the source code for the Operations Dashboard however you can customize it using the ArcGIS Runtime SDK for WPF. Using the framework you can create and share add-ins within your Operation Views and as items that can be used in the creation of new Operation Views. You can write your own widgets or extend existing widgets with additional map tools. There are a lot of add-ins available for you to use inside of ArcGIS Online if you search for them.

We look forward to seeing the Dashboards that you build and want to hear what new functionality you need in future releases of the Dashboard. Please share your ideas/thoughts with us as you explore how the Operations Dashboard can address needs within your organization.

Apps Team

About the author

Jeff Shaner

Jeff Shaner is a Senior Product Lead with the software products team at Esri. With 27 years experience, Jeff is focused on delivering apps that enable users to work more productively, safely, and effectively. In his spare time, you are likely to find Jeff on the golf course or hockey rink. 

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