Abstract: ArcGIS Server is a platform for constructing centralized management, multi-users supporting enterprise-level GIS applications. It is mostly characterized by providing Internet-based high level GIS service. The paper describes the basic characteristics and architecture of ArcGIS Server and the new functionality of ArcGIS Server 9.2 version, and explores the interior mechanism of ArcGIS Server application development framework and the modes of developing WebGIS application using this ADF. The feasibility of using this framework to tailor-make WebGIS application is demonstrated by the development of an urban public geographic information system.

Key words: WebGIS, ArcGIS Server, ArcObjects, Web ADF, AJAX