[Mapserver-users] ArcIMS vs MapServer Functionality

[Brock Murch]

List Members:

I am curious whether or not MapServer can supply data directly to a client 
software (not browser) so that the MapServer served data can be applied 
directly to a clients own data.

For example, with ArcMAP I can query a ArcIMS server and pull down the data to 
my ArcMAP software running locally on my computer. Can this be done with 
MapServer? If not to ArcMAP is it availible for other types of local clients? 
Can MapServer use HDF files? I know that ESRI does not support them.

Our intended audience uses ESRI products extensively. They will most likely 
want this functionality. We have to make a choice with this in mind. I for 
one advocate the use of open software where ever possbible. This is one 
instance where I may no be able to depending on the response to this query.

Thanks for any thoughts on the matter.


-- 
Brock Murch
Managing Director
Institute for Marine Remote Sensing 
University of South Florida 
140 7th Ave South  
St. Petersburg, FL 33701 
http://imars.usf.edu/
(727) 553-1186