ArcGIS JavaScript Maps SDK Blog - Page 5

Say goodbye to 2021, and hello to 4.22. Also, please send your regards to 3.39.

Welcome to the autumnal release of the ArcGIS API for JavaScript.

Let's talk about the planned support for flow visualization and animation in the ArcGIS API for JavaScript. Don't forget to check out our recently published blog post and sample app on GitHub.

This blog contains a list of apps we showed in ArcGIS API for JavaScript sessions.

Have you ever wanted to add a time slider to your map but couldn't because you were working with a historical or geological date range? With the ability to set custom label format functions in TimeSliders and a little bit of data preparation, you can!

Welcome to the 4.20 “jack of all trades” release.

We fixed 41 bugs. Created or updated 10+ samples. Added new layers, updated and added some widgets, and made so many more enhancements.

Today, we are pleased to release versions 4.19 and 3.36 of the ArcGIS API for JavaScript. Here are some of the 4.19 highlights (please refer to the 3.36 link at the end for 3.x updates).

Today, we are pleased to release versions 4.18 and 3.35 of the ArcGIS API for JavaScript.

Today, we are pleased to release versions 4.17 and 3.34 of the ArcGIS API for JavaScript. Here are some of the 4.17 highlights (please refer to the 3.34 link at the end for 3.x updates).

Introduction

We fixed 31 bugs, added 5 new samples, boosted performance (more on that later), and announced that version 4.17 will be the last release to support IE 11 (and Edge Legacy).

Methods

Every release, we look for ways that we can further optimize performance, modernize the development process, and add sweet new features and functionality. The performance is for the end-user, the modernization is for the developer (and for us, I suppose), and the sweet new stuff is for everyone.

Results

Faster loading and preprocessing for large FeatureLayers with many features. The StreamLayer can now handle much faster websocket streams. CSVLayer, GeoJSONLayer, and FeatureLayer created from client-side graphics are now taking advantage of a worker to store the data. Point 3D SceneLayers now load and display up to twice as fast by supporting the latest I3S specification version 1.7. The new 3D BuildingComponentSublayerView class allows you to query features of a BuildingSceneLayer directly in the client.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/guide/release-notes/#performance-enhancements

Discussion

After closely looking over the results from this release, you’re probably asking yourself about those sweet new features that did not necessarily significantly boost performance. Let’s discuss.

It is now possible to create and load non-spatial feature layers stored as tables in a Map, WebMap, or WebScene. The FeatureTable now supports editing date fields. A UI was added to make this workflow easier to manage. The new TableList widget provides a way to display a list of tables within a Map and/or WebMap.

The Print widget got a new exportedLinks property that allows you to access the collection of links exported from a print request, and two events, `complete` and `submit`, to give developers a much easier way to manage printing results and behavior.

The new StylePattern3D class provides different styles that are compatible with existing capabilities across the ArcGIS platform. Use the new polygon fill patterns to highlight areas on terrain or integrated mesh layers.

The Bookmarks widget now allows users to update a bookmark's extent and add a thumbnail.

We enhanced the LayerView in 2D MapViews by adding a fade-in and out transition to the LayerView when we turn the layer's visibility on and off.

The VectorTileLayer has an improved experience when loading and interacting with the map. 

WMSLayer now supports layers that are time enabled. You can use the TimeSlider widget to animate your layers over a period of time, or you can set a timeExtent on the layer to only request data that falls within the given time extent. 

Conclusion

There is so much more that’s new and exciting at 4.17 and 3.34. I hope this peer-reviewed blog entices your appetite to learn more. But before you do that, please check out our new guide topic: Breaking Changes. With this page, you can easily find all the breaking changes from every 4x release in one easy spot. So, if you are upgrading from say 4.10 -> 4.17, then scroll down on this page until you find 4.10, then scroll up to read the changes that apps will require to successfully migrate to 4.17.

Breaking Changes across all 4x releases

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/guide/breaking-changes/index.html

References

Fun fact, if you’re still reading this, .34 is exactly double .17. So there’s that.

Release Blog

What’s New in ArcGIS API for JavaScript (October 2020) 

4.17 Release Notes

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/guide/release-notes/index.html

4.17 Samples

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/?search=4.17

3.34 What’s New

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/3/jshelp/whats_new.html

Today, we are pleased to release versions 4.16 and 3.33 of the ArcGIS API for JavaScript. Here are some of the 4.16 highlights (please refer to the 3.33 link at the end for 3.x updates).

The stats

We fixed 20 bugs, added 65 new classes, created 24 new samples, and over 99% of the codebase is now written in TypeScript. 

Blending-in is the new standing-out

Ever wanted to combine one or more layers together to produce what looks like a new layer? Sounds cool, right? To accomplish this, we introduced a new capability called layer blending. This powerful capability allows you to apply blend modes to your layers to create striking visual effects.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/?search=blendMode

Are you down with OGC?

Yeah, you know, me also. The OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) API Feature standard is the successor to the OGC Web Feature Server (WFS) specification. And have we got a layer for you. The new OGCFeatureLayer, which works in 2D MapViews and 3D SceneViews, is better/stronger/faster than OGC WFS, and is now supported by the ArcGIS API for JavaScript.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/api-reference/esri-layers-OGCFeatureLayer.html

Self-evaluate your performance

At 4.15, we introduced a new SceneView.performanceInfo property to offer insight into the performance and memory consumptions of layers in your 3D scene. Now at 4.16, we’re ready to share this with the world. Heads-up: this property is experimental, prices and participation may vary, and can change at any time. But if you’re into performance metrics and 3D scenes, check out this new feature in your testing environments.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/sceneview-memory/index.html

If you like labeling points, you may also like…

If you like labeling, you’ll love the new Honey Nut Clusters FeatureReductionCluster.labelingInfo property that allows you to label clusters based on count, or based on any summary statistics used by the cluster popup.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/featurereduction-cluster-filter-slider/i...

Client-side geometric modifications

Client-side geometric modifications (like clipping) on IntegratedMeshLayers in 3D SceneViews, are you serious?! Yes, very much so. With the SceneModifications class, you can now modify parts of an integrated mesh using polygon geometries. Focus on your areas of interest; ignore the noise.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/layers-integratedmeshlayer-modification/...

CIM (/ˈsim/) seems (/sēmz/) cool (/ko͞ol/)

Remember, back in the day, when we released CIMSymbol for point features? Well, now you can do the same with lines and polygons in 2D MapViews. So create those custom symbols for all geometry types by using multiple symbol layers. And yes, you can print them just fine.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/cim-lines-and-polygons/index.html

Reflecting pools for all

We enhanced the WaterSymbol3DLayer to reflect any 3D objects on water surfaces. The SceneView.environment property, which already has tons of options to make your 3D scenes even more beautiful and realistic, now has a fun waterReflectionEnabled property.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/visualization-realistic-water/index.html

Wait, what’s that about seamless integration?

Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder. At every release we modernize the API. Fact. Sometimes we add things, sometimes we remove them. At 4.16, the API returns native promises by default. You can no longer opt-out with the handy has flag. We removed Dojo’s declare module, and pretty much stopped using Dojo altogether, although it’s still available with the CDN build. We also changed our will and stopped being supportive of multiple class inheritance, so start thinking about Accessor mixins. Read more here:

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/guide/release-notes/#api-modernization

Wait wait, what’s next?

Do you enjoy the bleeding edge of technology? If so, ArcGIS API for JavaScript – next may be for you. We announced this new feature a couple of release ago, but since we’re all scrambling for things to do at home, this seems like an opportune moment to revisit. It’s basically a weekly-ish build of the next version (e.g. if the current release is 4.16, then next is based on 4.17) of the API that you can use, test, and create issues for if you are so inclined. Probably best to only use for testing as things can change whenevs.

https://github.com/Esri/feedback-js-api-next

Wait wait wait, there’s more!

Because we have so much fun “at the office” developing new stuff for you, we like to showcase our updates and answer any questions that you may have in-person. We do this a couple times per year at conferences like the Developer Summit and the User Conference.

If you missed us at the virtual Developer Summit this year, here is a blog about all the JavaScript presentation recordings:

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/js-api-arcgis/announcements/arcgis-api-for-javascript-devs...

If you’re joining us for the virtual User Conference, here is a blog about all the exciting web development presentations and resources:

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/js-api-arcgis/announcements/web-developers-guide-to-the-20...

And if you’re up on the news, you may find this blog about diversity, equity, and racial justice at the virtual User Conference especially relevant:

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/product/announcements/diversity-equity-inclusion-racial-ju...

There is so much more that’s new and exciting at 4.16 and 3.33. Check out the links below to discover everything.

Release Blog

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/js-api-arcgis/announcements/whats-new-in-the-arcgis-api-fo...

4.16 Release Notes

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/guide/release-notes/index.html

4.16 Samples

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/sample-code/?search=4.16

3.33 What’s New

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/3/jshelp/whats_new.html