Accessing PDC ArcIMS Data Services
PDC uses ArcIMS from ESRI to publish several map services. To connect to the ArcIMS map services, specify an URL of http://www.pdc.org (no username or password are needed). To connect using ESRI ArcCatalog, for example, open the "GIS Servers" node, choose "Add ArcIMS Server" and enter that URL in the dialog box.
Many of our ArcIMS map services are also accessible via the WMS and WFS protocols. Both WMS and WFS protocols begin with a client-side request to the server for information about the service. This request is called "GetCapabilities" and it describes the supported projections, layers, data formats, and other details. For example, PDC's Active Hazards Map service, a WMS service, the request is formatted as follows:
The generic request for any map service looks like this:
The WFS map services work in a similar manner. These services typically have the same name as the WMS mapservices, plus a "_WFS" suffix. A sample WFS get capabilities URL looks like this:
http://www.pdc.org/wfs/wfs/PDC_Active_Hazards_WFS?request=getcapabilities&service=WFS&version=1.0.0
To request a different map service, just change the map service name in the previous sample:
http://www.pdc.org/wfs/wfs/map_service_name?request=getcapabilities&service=WFS&version=1.0.0
These sample urls include the latest supported version numbers.
A description of WMS and WFS protocols can be obtained at www.opengeospatial.org.