3D model web application using ArcExplorer and .NET

Question

Hi All,

We are implementing a project which utilizes the Google Sketchup models and ArcGIS' layers in a modeling web application.
I am new to ArcGIS products and since we have couple of platform options such as Google earth/Bing maps, and Arc products, I wanted to get some directions. 
Is it possible to develop a 3D environment online and perform analysis using ArcGIS products?
I know that ArcObjects is a way but I am not sure how. Also, I wanted to know if I can create and present 3D environment on the web ( i've seen some demos on ArcScene and ArcGIS Desktop but I'm not sure about the 3D implementation on the web and ArcExplorer).
Would you please give me some tips in this regard?

Thanks,
Sam

MikeRudden · Answer

Hi Sam,
Sure give it a try and see if version 500 works for you, but please be aware that this architecture is not being developed. More recent versions of Explorer Desktop (900+) run on a completely different architecture but don't support being embedded in a browser.

Regards
Mike

SamAmirebrahimi · Answer

Dear Mike, 
Thank you for your reply.
We kinda change the architecture of the application and we're now using Google Earth for presenting the result of the geoprocessing services as KML. I will check this out too and probably we can stick to ESRI products and not to use multiple technologies from different companies in the future.

Thank you again.
Sam
Hi,

I think that your only option for 3D support in a web browser from esri is an older version of ArcGIS Explorer Desktop. Version 500 could be embedded into a web browser and can still be downloaded:

http://gisupdates.esri.com/ArcGISExplorer/Build500/ArcGISExplorerDownload.exe

http://services.arcgisonline.com/arcgisexplorer500/help/web_browser.htm

Using this software you could call geoprocessing services (hosted through ArcGIS Server) to perform analysis.  It does not provide tools to create or edit 3D environments. It does however, allow you to add kml or kmz files for visualization.

As far as I'm aware there are no plans to introduce 3D support into ArcGIS Explorer online in the near future.

Mike Rudden
ESRI

MikeRudden · Answer