What is the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS?
The Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS installs onto an existing installation of ArcGIS 8.x, 9.x and allows users to add MrSID imagery served using LizardTech's Express Server software directly into their local ArcGIS application. LizardTech has created this free plug-in to enable ArcGIS users to share massive amounts of imagery across an organization with minimal use of system resources.

Can I combine imagery served via the Express Server with other data sets?
Yes! You can add imagery from the Express Server to vector data served from a remote ArcIMS, ArcObjects or ArcSDE installation or with local vector and raster files into one ArcGIS project. Georeferenced MrSID imagery will align with vectors that are defined with the same coordinate space.

What kind of imagery can I use with the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS?
With the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS you can use imagery served using LizardTech's Express Server software which supports MrSID and DjVu files. Both image formats can be displayed directly in your ArcGIS project. However, the DjVu files will not be georeferenced. If you would like to include DjVu images, you will need to select the "include non-georeferenced files" when building the "irl" (image resource locator) indexes. Please see the help file included with the plug-in for detailed information.

Does the Imagery from the Express Server get downloaded locally?
No. When setting up the plug-in, you define the source of the Express Server imagery and the software creates an ".irl" file which is an index to where the server is located. These files are only about 1Kb in size.

How do I add these "irl" files to my ArcGIS project?
Once the "irl" files are created you can add them to a new or existing project using ArcCatalog or ArcMap in the same manner that you would add any other layer or data source.

Do "irl" files get saved with my project file?
Yes. If you have added an image served remotely, when you save the project file, the reference to that image is retained. The next time you open the project file the image will automatically be loaded with the project.

Can I share the project with other ArcGIS users?
Yes. You can share the project file by also sharing the "irl" file you created when you installed the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS. Other users must also have the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS installed and must have access to the server referenced in the "irl" file to view and use the project.

What happens if I open a project that references an Image on the Express Server but my network connection is preventing me from connecting to the Express Server?
A network connection must be available and the Express Server referenced in the project must be accessible in order to view the images in ArcGIS. If the server is not available, ArcGIS will report an error message when the layer is activated.

Where can I get the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS?
You can download the Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS free here.

What are the system requirements?
The Express Server plug-in for ArcGIS will install on ArcGIS 8.x or 9.x installations. You must have access to an Express Server serving images to add remote imagery to your project file.