Drawing TacticalGraphics using the API for WPF

[RashaGarfinkel]

I have to draw Military Tactical Graphics using the ArcGIS API for WPF - has anyone ever done this before, that can give me some guidance on where to start? What map objects to use to draw military graphics? Any help/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

[DanielWalton]

In that case you may find this blog post useful:

http://kiwigis.blogspot.com/2009/05/accessing-esri-style-files-using-adonet.html

Style files are just access databases that you can open using .NET data access classes. You could grab all the symbols that way. Just a thought...

[RashaGarfinkel]

Dan,
Thanks for your input, I set up a local ArcGIS server mostly because the machine that this application will be used for will not have internet access - but I am not sure my question is clear enough:
Based on the following application http://milsym.codeplex.com/documentation  that I downloaded - it is a Silverlight application using Bing maps I want to be able to do the same thing using Esri maps in WPF - so back to my original question - how would I implement interactive drawing of Military Graphics on the Esri map using WPF?

[DanielWalton]

Dan,
Thanks for your input, I set up a local ArcGIS server mostly because the machine that this application will be used for will not have internet access - but I am not sure my question is clear enough:
Based on the following application http://milsym.codeplex.com/documentation  that I downloaded - it is a Silverlight application using Bing maps I want to be able to do the same thing using Esri maps in WPF - so back to my original question - how would I implement interactive drawing of Military Graphics on the Esri map using WPF?

You could reuse some of the low-level classes like MilBrush, etc., but most of the project is heavily integrated with the Bing maps API. ESRI classes are different, and you would have to slog through potentially thousands of lines of code to convert those classes into ESRI-friendly ones. You could start to see how much work it would be by removing the Bing references from the project and looking at the errors that pop up in each class. You might be better off just going with the Bing maps API.

[MarioVernari]

I agree with Dan.
I didn't analyzed the MilSym project deeply, but easily you've an huge load of work (and test) to count.
At the time I'm writing it's 8PM here in Italy, so I leave you. Tomorrow, let's say your morning, I'll try to post an example (as simple as possible) to use with wpf. After that you may decide what to do.
Cheers
Mario

[RashaGarfinkel]

Dan, Mario

Thanks for all your great input. using the Bing Maps API is not an option for me since my project requirement is to use the Esri maps, on that note, I guess i will take out all the bing API references & add the Esri map ones, can i assume that for example BingMaps have a Location object - does Esri have one too? meaning is there some reference I can even use to try to map some of the API functionality?

Mario,
A WPF example would be a great help for me - hopefully will get me started - my goal is even to successfully draw one graphic just to see what it entails.

Thanks

[DanielWalton]

Bing's Location is roughly equivalent to ESRI.ArcGis.Client.Geometry.MapPoint

[RashaGarfinkel]

Thanks, I will attempt to try replacing the API, & see how it goes,

[dotMorten_esri]

There's almost no limit to how advanced you can make the point symbols in Silverlight/WPF.
For an example check out the symbol gallery: http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapi/silverlight/samples/SymbolGalleryWeb/start.htm

[MarioVernari]

As I promised, here is a *very rough* example to create your own editor on top the map control.

I guess the Bing solution would be technically acceptable, but I'd bear in mind the cost of the license. As far I've realized, the min for ESRI is about US$100-500, while Bing starts from US$10K. ESRI is mandatory for a small solution, Bing is out.

Morten, two things.
1) I've sent you a mail, but I?ve solved my troubles (even I'd prefer to hear from you+team a little help);
2) I don't agree at all with you about the flexibility of the APIs. It's clear that you push for using the ESRI server all the time. For an hybrid solution (like the mine), the use of the APIs is cumbersome. Why not giving at least the very basic (e.g. Client namespace) source as open?

Cheers everybody
Mario

[RashaGarfinkel]

Thanks for the example I downloaded it & get the following error:
"The type or namespace name 'WebMercator' could not be found (are you missing a using directive or an assembly reference?)"

Would you know off hand what assembly I need - currently all I have is the ArcGIS API for WPF installed.

Thanks