need help with ArcGIS Flex for 9.3

Question

I saw ArcGIS Flex being advertised on www.esri.com last week (July 19-23, 2010). Where would I be able to find a link for ArcGIS flex, since it is no longer advertised on ESRI's home page?

Does anyone know where I can find the template entitled Emergency Management Common Operational Picture version 1.1 dated December 11, 2009?
Will this template work to create other maps that want to show data for airports (delays for checking in, and the security check points)?

MatthewLawton · Answer

Ann, I would encourage you to seek out a developer. As a GIS professional (with a mild programming background) I have become comfortable with developing web mapping applications with HTML and JavaScript over the years. Flex is a whole different beast. I am finding it just as challenging to work with Flex as I did VB.Net when the Web ADF was released a few years ago. Flex requires Adobe Flash Builder 4, which is a full-blown IDE similar to Visual Studio.

ESRI likes to sell Flex as quick and easy, which it is not, in my opinion.

DerekLaw · Answer

Hi Ann,

You can customize the ArcGIS Viewer for Flex application by simply editing some XML configuration files. This application has been designed with the "non-developer" in mind.

You can create your own Web mapping application from scratch using the ArcGIS API for Flex - this will require some developer skills.

I'm not 100% sure about the Emergency Management template, as I haven't personally used it. However, it looks like it is configurable (i.e., does not require programming) - but I guess it depends on whether or not it meets your business workflow requirements. I suggest you watch the video to learn more about the template.

Hope this helps,

AnnHarrison · Answer

I saw ArcGIS Flex being advertised on www.esri.com last week (July 19-23, 2010). Where would I be able to find a link for ArcGIS flex, since it is no longer advertised on ESRI's home page?

Does anyone know where I can find the template entitled Emergency Management Common Operational Picture version 1.1 dated December 11, 2009?
Will this template work to create other maps that want to show data for airports (delays for checking in, and the security check points)?

To customize ArcGIS Flex I assume I need a developer to help customize it?