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Allow access to services.arcgisonline.com MapServices from non-ESRI Web Mapping APIs
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05-25-2012 03:12 PM
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ESRI has put a lot of time and energy into producing a very nice set of basemaps that are accessible at services.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/rest/services. Because those layers are tiled and in a consistent spatial reference system, they are easy to ingest using a number of different web-mapping APIs (OpenLayers, Leaflet, etc.).
However, the fine print in the terms of use document (http://www.esri.com/legal/pdfs/e-800-termsofuse.pdf) says in 4.f. that you cannot "Provide others with access to Web Services through non-Esri software;". In other words, the services are there, but you are not allowed to use them unless you're accessing them through an ESRI-built mapping API.
I think you need to recognize that especially when it comes to web-based mapping, ESRI is not the only game in town, and alternative APIs can be used to create compelling, informative maps that highlight ESRIs great base data. Instead of stifling GIS innovation by restricting us to a set of tools that you get to define and we cannot influence, why not allow your data to flow freely (as long as it is attributed correctly, of course)? We'll make great looking maps that will have ESRI's name on it....
However, the fine print in the terms of use document (http://www.esri.com/legal/pdfs/e-800-termsofuse.pdf) says in 4.f. that you cannot "Provide others with access to Web Services through non-Esri software;". In other words, the services are there, but you are not allowed to use them unless you're accessing them through an ESRI-built mapping API.
I think you need to recognize that especially when it comes to web-based mapping, ESRI is not the only game in town, and alternative APIs can be used to create compelling, informative maps that highlight ESRIs great base data. Instead of stifling GIS innovation by restricting us to a set of tools that you get to define and we cannot influence, why not allow your data to flow freely (as long as it is attributed correctly, of course)? We'll make great looking maps that will have ESRI's name on it....
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