ArcSDE 10.1 direct connection to SQL 2008 R2

Question

Hi,

I created a simple database within Microsoft SQL Server 2008 one table with a Lat and Long column.  I used ArcCatalog 10.1 to enable the database to create an SDE database.  The problem is when I created a new feature class from this SDE database and loaded the data from the table I see all the data within the attribute table, but no points are displayed in the data view display in Arcmap info?  The feature class has an ObjectId and shape column.  I am not sure why the points are not displayed.  Is this a known behavior in 10.1 SDE with SQL?

Thanks

MarcoBoeringa · Answer

The goal of what I am trying to do is create a dynamic SDE geodatabase, so my feature class will become a dynamic layer when I publish it as a feature service.  I want to be able to consume that service on ESRIs web application.  If I add another record to SQL database server on the back end the point feature will have a dynamic connection to SDE and display on the web application.
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From the reply post it was mentioned to use the specific option of adding a dynamic X, Y data.  Is there a way to create a dynamic SDE, publish it as a feature service so the data becomes dynamic?

I am not entirely sure what you mean with "dynamic SDE", because data served from ArcSDE is by definition "dynamic", as pulled straight from the database...

But in terms of options of having a X,Y table data with no spatial column displayed as a dynamic point feature layer in a webapplication, you may consider re-posting this question in an ArcGIS for Server or Runtime forum. I think you are more likely to get good suggestions there instead of here in the Geodatabase & ArcSDE sub-forum.

By the way, this GIS Stack Exchange thread suggests you should be able to create a dynamic service from an X,Y event layer if the web service is based on an MXD:

http://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/25753/publish-xy-event-layer-to-arcgis-server

Angie1 · Answer

I understand that I can use the Display XY Data to create an XY layer.  The goal of what I am trying to do is create a dynamic SDE geodatabase, so my feature class will become a dynamic layer when I publish it as a feature service.  I want to be able to consume that service on ESRIs web application.  If I add another record to SQL database server on the back end the point feature will have a dynamic connection to SDE and display on the web application. That is why I am not using the XY display and export for the data because my data will become static and not dynamic which is what I need for my web application.  What I am asking is how can I create a dynamic SDE Geodatabase feature class so when I publish it, it becomes a dynamic feature class.  If I add another record to my SQL database that point will be displayed dynamically, like using the Add Query Layer tool?

As you know one is not able to register the source information if using the Add query layer with ArcGIS Server, unless it is stored and accessed through an ArcSDE database.  This is an issue that is resolved with the next release of ArcGIS Server 10.2.

From the reply post it was mentioned to use the specific option of adding a dynamic X, Y data.  Is there a way to create a dynamic SDE, publish it as a feature service so the data becomes dynamic?

Thanks

MarcoBoeringa · Answer

The fact that your Feature Class has a column called "Shape" does not mean there are actually shapes in there. Unless, like William suggested, you use the Add XY Event Layer  option in ArcMap to convert the tabular X,Y data to a dynamically created point layer, and export the data from there to a static layer if needed, your X,Y data will remain just that: X,Y data.

ArcMap doesn't "magically" convert X,Y data to point shapes by loading it in a pre-existing point Feature Class, unless, you use the specific option of adding dynamic X,Y data designed for this purpose first, and than convert that layer to a static point Feature Class. Again, see the Help link above, and that William also pointed out for you, for what to do.