Optimization of Feature Requests during Map Interactions

[Michael_Boschert]

Problem Statement:

When interacting with maps that contain many (Map Image) Sublayers, clicking on the map generates a request for each activated layer. The result of each of these requests is a PBF file. This leads to unnecessary system strain, especially when many layers are active that do not return relevant features.

Proposal:

I propose that ArcGIS optimizes the logic for generating requests during map interactions. Instead of creating a request for every active layer, the system should only generate requests for layers that actually return a feature.

Benefits:

1. Performance Improvement: Reducing the number of requests decreases server load and improves response times.
2. Efficiency: Minimizing data transfer by retrieving only relevant information.
3. User Experience: Enhancing user experience through faster and more targeted responses.

Summary:

Implementing this optimization would not only enhance application performance but also increase the efficiency of data processing. I hope this idea will be considered for future updates of ArcGIS.

[NinaRihn]

Maybe I am thinking about this wrong, but how would the map know there was nothing returned unless it made a request?

[Michael_Boschert]

That's a valid point @NinaRihn , and I understand the concerns. The challenge lies in determining which sublayers might actually return relevant features without making a request for each one.

Given that all sublayers originate from the same service, one potential solution would be to implement a function at the service level that checks which sublayers are likely to return features based on the current view area.

[Joshua-Young]

Would not adding a check for features in the current extent add additional overhead and delay to everything? The check would have to happen on every request, so even layers with features would be slower to render because it has to check first. For layers with no features in the extent a response would still need to be sent to the map to say there are no features in the extent.