Reuse cache with multiple services

[TravisKirstine]

I am planning to create a number of map services on my arcgis server, the services I will be using the same underlying cached base imagery base map.  Is it possible to reuse the same cache in multiple services?  I have read some posting suggesting that it is possible to cascade the cache into other services by creating a SOC user but it is not advised.

Any suggestions?

[SterlingQuinn]

Hello Travis. For a variety of reasons related to performance and reliability, it's not recommended that you include an ArcGIS map service within another map service (aka "cascading" services). ArcGIS Server 10.1 won't even let you publish a service like this.

Instead, your client application should connect directly to the services. So you might have a layer in your web map that refers to your imagery basemap web service and a separate layer that refers to your business data such as snowplows, ATMs, homes for sale, or whatever it is you're mapping.

If you play around with the ArcGIS.com map viewer, you'll see how this works. The viewer loads a basemap service for you. And then you connect to other services and place them on top. You're able to make a nice mashup without embedding any service within another service.

Sterling