Types of service data

An image service supports accessing data as static tiled images and dynamically generated images. This section provides an overview of these formats and the functionality they provide.

Static image tiles

An image service supports accessing data as static tiles. Static tiles are cached (pre-generated) tiles that also include additional data such as the source pixel values. They are stored as LERC2D, JPEGPLUS, or JPGPNG tiles. You typically use a hosted tiled imagery layer (item) to access the tiles of an image service.

Below is an example of displaying the tiles of an image service in a map using a hosted tiled imagery layer (item).

The service URL format to access the tiles is:

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https://{host}/{organizationId}/arcgis/rest/services/{serviceName}/ImageServer/tile/{level}/{row}/{column}

Dynamic images

An image service supports accessing data as dynamically generated images. Dynamic images are generated for every request to the service returning a new image along with metadata, such as the image's URL, extent, width, and height. You can change the functions and parameters per request. This allows you to create multiple image products on demand from a single source. The default format of the returned image is jpgpng, but other formats such as png, jpg, bmp, tif, and lerc are supported. You typically access a hosted imagery layer (item) to use dynamically generated images from an image service.

Below is an example of accessing dynamically generated images from an image service using a hosted imagery layer (item).

The service URL format to access images dynamically is:

Service data comparison

The table summarizes the main distinctions between dynamic and tiled imagery layers in ArcGIS:

FeatureDynamic Imagery LayerTiled Imagery Layer
Display performanceSlowerOptimized
Perferred use caseDynamic visualization & AnalysisVisualization & Analysis
Visualization ControlExtensive control over visualization post-creationVisualization choices made prior to creation
FlexibilityCan modify properties like display order and visibilityPre-rendered tiles with limited post-creation customization
Additional FunctionalityAdvanced options for controlling input imagesOptimized for fast rendering but limited customization
SharingPrivatePublic & Private

Services

API support

Use data management tools or Client APIs to create, manage, and access data services. The table below outlines the level of support for each API.

CreateManageAccess
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Kotlin1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Java1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET1
ArcGIS Maps SDK for Qt1
ArcGIS API for Python
ArcGIS REST JS
Esri Leaflet2
MapLibre GL JS23
OpenLayers23
Full supportPartial supportNo support
  • 1. Use portal class and direct REST API requests
  • 2. Access via ArcGIS REST JS
  • 3. Requires manually setting styles for renderers

Tools

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