Access REST services from desktop?

Question

I'm wondering if it's possible to access ArcServer REST resources from ArcMap/ArcCatalog, rather than the SOAP endpoints.

For example, I know I can "Add ArcGIS Server" --> 
http://sampleserver1.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services

But, I would like to "Add ArcGIS Server" --> 
http://sampleserver1.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services

AxelSchaefer · Answer

Any idea of ESRI has made public the SOAP API? I don't think so, yet.

It's on your machine (here the 9.3.1 link): C:/Program Files/ArcGIS/DeveloperKit/Help/SOAP/index.htm

For 10 on the net: http://help.arcgis.com/EN/arcgisserver/10.0/apis/soap/whnjs.htm

deleted-user-Jie3eyjOl9XM · Answer

Well, I created some WCF services that act as REST resources, returning geometry objects. I figured if the existing JavaScript, Flash and Silverlight APIs can access this, maybe ArcMap can, too.

But, I used Fiddler to examine the traffic, and it looks like ArcMap only attempts to communicate using the SOAP endpoints. It would be possible to implement that, too. Any idea of ESRI has made public the SOAP API? I don't think so, yet.

JoeFlannery · Answer

Mr. Morris:

Out of curiosity, why do you want to tap REST endpoints instead of SOAP resources?  What's the difference to the end-user in ArcMap?