Opening an AGX 1500 generated layer package in ArcMap 9.3.1 (with no service packs)

Question

In the web help, it says layer packages can be opened by ArcMap 9.3.1 clients. I have an ArcMap 9.3.1 client (no service packs) and can't get it to open any AGX 1500 layer packages I've created. ArcMap simply doesn't seem to recognize the *.lpk extension. However, AGX 1500 itself can open the layer packages without issue:

http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisexplorer/1500//en/sharing_layer_packages.htm

[INDENT]"The layer package can be opened by ArcGIS Desktop versions 9.3.1 and newer, as well as ArcGIS Explorer." 
[/INDENT]

Dragging the layer package onto ArcMap's Table of Contents results in an error ("Could not open the specified document") and *.lpk files are not recognized in ArcMap from the Add Data dialog. What might I be doing wrong, or was this functionality released only for ArcGIS Desktop 9.3.1 SP1 and/or SP2? Hoping it's user error on my part.

Also, what needs to occur to enable users to save data from a map service as part of a layer package? Currently, I get a grayed-out check box for saving ArcSDE data (which our AGS 9.3.1 map services are, in fact, based on). Do I need to install the data expansion pack or is this option simply not allowed for a map service? Do I need to set up a geodata service?

danan · Answer

I opened a separate thread focused exclusively on the possibility of extracting data from ArcGIS Server services using AGX 1500:

http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/16122-Can-data-from-an-ArcGIS-Server-9.3.1-service-be-extracted-by-ArcGIS-Explorer-1500

danan · Answer

Hi Mike,

I installed the Data Expansion Pack for AGX 1500. Still, when I try to save a Layer Package, the option to save ArcSDE data remains grayed-out. Please see attached screen shot.

Is there something else I'm missing? Does something need to be enabled on the Map service? Or will this option enable only for Geodata services?

SavingALayerPackage2.png

danan · Answer

Hi,

To add a Layer Package to ArcMap you just need to double click the .LPK file. To give you a little more info on this - there's an application called the ArcGISFileHandler.exe which is associated with the various ArcGIS-related file types (e.g. .LPK) and this small application will determine what ArcGIS application to open... Regarding data packaging - to package ArcSDE based data you will need the data expansion pack.

Thanks Mike. Double-clicking the .LPK file from Windows Explorer worked for me. Can you please confirm (if it's the case) that double-clicking the layer package file is the only way to load a layer package in ArcMap 9.3.1? Also, do you know if AGX 1500-generated layer packages can be loaded from inside ArcMap at subsequent SPs for 9.3.1 and/or ArcMap 10?

I will give the data expansion pack a try.

Thanks again.