Arc8/9 Migration: ArcGIS vs. ArcIMS

In the existing REGIS environment, users have the choice between two tools: ArcView 3.3 or REGIS IMS (Internet Map Service), which uses the ArcIMS application to display GIS data in a standard web browser.

The existing REGIS ArcView 3.3 was heavily-customized and was originally intended to be the primary tool for REGIS Users. Part way through the original REGIS project effort in 1999-2001, the ArcIMS web-based tool was added to provide another way to get GIS data and functionality to the widest group of users possible.

Today, the ArcIMS method of allowing anyone to view, interact with and print maps from the REGIS GIS datasets is clearly seen as the primary method of supplying these services to most users. ArcView, on the other hand, is an excellent tool for the "power-user" community and will remain our "high-end" tool for some users. Plus, by heavily customizing ArcIMS instead of ArcView/ArcGIS, more users can complete their tasks faster and with less training. Likewise, by limiting heavy customization of ArcView/ArcGIS, training on these tools can be received anywhere allowing users to jump into the REGIS environment more easily.

Below is a chart showing the primary uses for the ArcIMS and ArcView/ArcGIS tools in the new REGIS environment. REGIS Users will have access to both applications, however.

ArcIMS (REGIS IMS)	ArcView 9/ArcGIS 9
Quick & Simple Map Printing Simple Queries Quick-Access Data Viewing Mailing Label Generation Geocoding Property Analysis Queries	In-depth Analysis External Data Integration Multiple-Address Geocoding High-Quality Map (Cartographic) Production Shapefile editing Digital Document Access