Creating a Map Graphic

[DanielMeinen]

Incredibly basic question, I'm trying to create a map of the state of Wisconsin and its 72 counties for use in Adobe Flex.  I know how to use the ESRI basemaps to get that background map, but how do I get my own map that would have each of the 72 counties clickable.  I believe I need to create graphics of the 72 counties and link in the attribute information.  I come from the GIS side of things, and am trying to do some programming.
Thanks,
Dan

[Drew]

Dan,

Usually you would have your own map service that you would overlay on top of the basemap and not graphics. Graphics can be used but you need to know the exact geometry and this is not the most efficient way to display data right away. Generally graphics are used to emphasize a location or feature.

Do you have access to ArcGIS Server and do you have a service published that contains the data you need to show?


EDIT:
Unless by graphic you are referring to a file such as a jpg, png, gif to overlay.... This is generally what the "map service" generates. I may have been reading you post from a programming perspective  where "graphics" are added to the map to highlight a feature (like in ArcMap)

Drew

[DanielMeinen]

Thanks Drew for your response.  I would like to create a webpage that is somewhat similar to this:
http://visudemos.ilog.com/blogsamples/factbook2/FactBookSE.html

Would you be able to tell me what is the likely way they created this world map?

I come from the Arc world of shapefiles and geodatabases, and I know that I can't overlap a shapefile into Flex, so I'm basically asking, if not a shapefile, how do they get a map to show up?

[Drew]

Thanks Drew for your response.  I would like to create a webpage that is somewhat similar to this:
http://visudemos.ilog.com/blogsamples/factbook2/FactBookSE.html

Would you be able to tell me what is the likely way they created this world map?

I come from the Arc world of shapefiles and geodatabases, and I know that I can't overlap a shapefile into Flex, so I'm basically asking, if not a shapefile, how do they get a map to show up?

Dan,
What software do you have at your disposal? Do you have ArcGIS Server?

As for how they created the world map.. Well its not using ESRI Flex api. Its something custom or another 3rd party like Avenza Web Map. You could do this with the ESRI flex API but I would not recommend it as your very first task.


Drew

[Drew]

Dan,
What you need to do is create some sort of map service with your data, then use the ESRI Flex Viewer to start building your application.
http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapps/flexviewer/index.html

But generally speaking you need a map service to start showing your own data. There are a few types of map services the  Flex API can handle so there are some options. Usually a map service is created using ArcGIS Server

Other links for you.

ESRI Flex API Samples:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapi/flex/samples/index.html

ESRI Flex API Concepts
http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapi/flex/help/index.html

Understanding ArcGIS Server
http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapi/flex/help/content/arcgis_server/arcgis_server_overview.htm

[DanielMeinen]

Thanks Drew, it looks like I have some reading to do.  I will see how cooperative my work is with me using ArcGIS Server.  I work in government, so I'm not sure if I have access to the server.
Dan