GIS Product Architecture
Spring 2019 GIS Product Architecture 44th Edition
GIS Product Architecture shares the software components and platform configuration options available for distributed GIS operations. Understanding application architecture alternatives and associated configuration strategies provides a foundation for selecting an appropriate distributed GIS design.
ArcGIS Enterprise is a major architecture release. An excellent overview of ArcGIS Enterprise is provided in Philip Heede's presentation on Architecting your Deployment.
Contents
- 1 ArcGIS technical architecture evolution
- 2 Virtualization deployment options
- 3 ArcGIS Desktop architecture patterns
- 4 ArcGIS Enterprise services architecture
- 5 ArcGIS Platform deployment strategies
- 6 Enterprise data center deployment strategies
- 6.1 Traditional ArcGIS Enterprise operations
- 6.2 ArcGIS Enterprise System of Engagement Initial Operational Capability (IOC)
- 6.3 ArcGIS Enterprise System of Engagement with ArcGIS Pro editors
- 7 ArcGIS Enterprise server roles
- 8 Concluding Remarks
- 9 CPT Capacity Planning videos
ArcGIS technical architecture evolution
Figure 9.1 shows how GIS architecture is evolving to enable a more adaptive and functional exchange of geographic information.
File-based systems: Desktop applications building file-based datasets that were unique to the individual user. Building and sharing information was limited to individual relationships, and data integration was limited.
Database-centric: Enterprise desktop clients would access a centrally shared geodatabase data source. Data was maintained and shared in an integrated database environment, improving information continuity and quality of the available data resources. Published data could be managed and controlled to promote a common view of available validated data resources. Access to data resources was limited to desktop users on the local area network.
Server-centric: Database resources were published as Web services, making information products available to a broad Internet community of Web clients. Rich Internet clients could access services from multiple server locations, expanding access and integration of information resources to a much broader community of users. Applications were developed and deployed to leverage available Web services
Best practice: Database- and Server-centric architecture patterns support optimum governance for system of record content.
Web-centric: Introduction of a portal architecture expanded development of Web content to the business community, no longer requiring software developer project efforts to deploy new Web information products. Generic commercial applications able to leverage Web maps created and shared by business users provide timely access to information products at any location on any supported device. Users could create and administer their own groups for sharing content, use configurable apps to create new Web applications, and leverage solution templates to rapidly create and deploy content to a broad community of users.
Best practice: Web-centric portal architecture provides optimum solution for system of engagement.
ArcGIS system technical architecture
Enterprise-level GIS applications support a variety of users throughout an organization, all requiring access to shared spatial and attribute data sources. System hardware and software environments for distributed GIS applications are supported by a multi-tier client/server or Web services architecture. A simple overview of the various ArcGIS architecture components is provided in Figure 9.2.
Central Data Servers: Shared spatial and tabular database management systems provide central data repositories for shared geographic data. These database management systems can be located on separate data servers or on the same central server platform. Data servers include File Servers, File and Enterprise Geodatabase Servers, Imagery servers, map and imagery tile cache, and database servers supporting other Enterprise business systems. Additional data resources are available from ArcGIS Online and other Internet data sources.
ArcGIS Desktop Clients: ArcGIS Desktop clients are licensed at three levels that address specific user application needs. Basic provides view and query functionality, Standard provides functionality focusing on data maintenance and administration, and Advanced provides the full suite of standard desktop technology used by GIS professionals. ArcGIS Engine and ArcGIS Runtime are programming environments for developing custom ArcGIS Desktop applications.
Hosted GIS services: GIS applications are supported within a distributed configuration by server platforms that execute GIS functions. In a centralized solution, Windows Terminal Server and ArcGIS server platforms can host applications and services for a large number of concurrent GIS clients. Windows Terminal Servers host GIS desktop applications on centrally managed server farms allowing remote terminal clients to display and control applications executed on the terminal server platforms. ArcGIS Server platforms support a variety of Web applications and services accessed by standard browser clients, rich internet applications, or other desktop applications.
Web GIS in the cloud: ArcGIS Online Organizations provide GIS capabilities through Esri-hosted software as a service environment.
Web GIS on-premise: Base ArcGIS Enterprise deployment (Portal for ArcGIS, hosting ArcGIS Server site, ArcGIS Data Store (Relational) supporting on-premise system of engagement.
ArcGIS Enterprise server roles: ArcGIS Image Server (Raster Analytics and Image Services), ArcGIS GeoEvent Server (realtime events), ArcGIS GeoAnalytics Server, and ArcGIS Business Analyst Server—along with their associated ArcGIS Data Stores—provide expanded capabilities for on-premise system of engagement.
ArcGIS Software Architecture
ArcGIS is an integrated collection of software components available for building a complete geographic information system. The ArcGIS software products are used to deploy GIS functionality and business logic where needed—in desktops, servers, custom applications, Web services, and mobile devices. The ArcGIS applications are supported by a common set of software components. Figure 9.3 provides an overview of the ArcGIS software component architecture.
GIS is technology used for the creation, management, integration, analysis, display, and dissemination of spatial data. Spatial data includes any information that can be associated with a location on the earth's surface or data that can be associated with a person or place that has a location.
How the spatial data is maintained and published within the organization contributes to the performance and scalability of the system design. GIS Data must be organized and managed to support effective and efficient GIS operations. GIS data deployment patterns are discussed in more detail in the Chapter 5 GIS Data Administration chapter.
ArcGIS Desktop can be deployed on client workstations or hosted by a Windows Terminal Server. Custom runtime applications include the same ArcGIS components supporting the ArcGIS Desktop commercial software and share common configuration strategies. Different configuration alternatives are available to support communications between the client application and the GIS data source. ArcGIS Desktop deployment patterns are discussed in more detail in the SDSwiki Chapter 2 Desktop operations section.
ArcGIS Server is deployed in a scalable Web application server architecture. The Web solutions include software development kits and runtime environments supporting application development, system performance, and scalability. Recommended platform configuration strategies will be provided for both standard and high availability architecture solutions. ArcGIS Server deployment patterns are discussed in more detail in the [ SDSwiki Chapter 2 Web operations].
GIS applications support an open systems architecture. The ArcGIS enterprise architecture combines a variety of closely integrated commercial products to establish a fully supported system solution. All commercial software products must be maintained to support evolving communication interface standards. The importance of selecting well established (popular) software architecture solutions based on standard design practices cannot be overemphasized, since all parts of the distributed configuration are critical and must work together to ensure communication interfaces are properly maintained and supported.
Virtualization deployment options
Figure 9.4 provides an overview of the four principle virtualization solutions. Virtualization provides a variety of options available for ArcGIS deployments.
Virtual session
Virtual sessions are used for improved security and high performance access to shared centralized data souces. Multiple desktop applications are deployed on a centralized server platform sharing a common server operating system. Desktop applications run on the server with each session displayed and controlled by remote terminal clients.
Vendor offerings:
- Windows: Remote Desktop Service (RDS) -> Remote Desktop Connector (RDC)
- Citrix: XenApp -> (Citrix Receiver)
- VMware: VMware Horizon RDSH (Remote Desktop Services Host)
Note: CPT workflow: Citrix workflow with Physical or Virtual platform tier selection.
Esri certifies each ArcGIS Desktop release with Citrix XenApp server (Citrix Receiver) environment. A more complete discussion on Centralized Windows Terminal Server/Remote Desktop Services (Citrix) Architecture is provided is provided later in this chapter.
Warning: ArcGIS Pro is not supported in a virtual session environment.
Best practice: Large number of Esri customers use Citrix XenApp application servers for remote user access to centrally managed remote desktop (ArcMap) terminal services.
Virtual server
Virtual Server machines reduce administration overhead and share the host physical server compute resources. Virtual Server machines share a common hypervisor for access to host platform processing resources. Each Virtual Server machine has its own installed Server operating system. Server applications are installed in each separate Virtual Server machine.
Vendor offerings:
- Windows: HyperV
- Citrix: XenServer
- VMware: VMware vSphere (ESX)
Note: CPT workflow: Virtual platform tier selection.
Best practice: Large number of Esri customers deploy ArcGIS Server in the three available virtual server environments.
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
Virtual desktop infrastructured deployments reduce administration overhead and share the host physical server compute resources for centralized virtual desktop deployment. Virtual Desktops share a common hypervisor for access to host platform processing resources. Each Virtual Desktop has its own installed Desktop operating system. Desktop applications are installed in each separate Virtual Desktop machine. Virtual Desktops run on the server with display and control provided by a variety of remote terminal client devices.
Vendor offerings:
- Windows: Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
- Citrix: XenDesktop
- VMware: VMware View
Note: CPT workflow: Citrix workflow with VDI platform tier selection.
Esri customers have deploy Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and though they are known to work, Esri has not yet certified these solutions.
Best practice: Virtual desktops environments are used by Esri for development and hosted ReadyTech training environments.
Virtual desktop environments traditionally do not have access to hardware video cards which has contributed to some functional performance degradation noticed by users. Vendor solutions are available to include shared NVIDIA GRID video cards within the VDI host server architecture to improve display performance for future virtual desktop deployment patterns.
Best practice: Virtual desktops environments with host platform NVIDIA GRID video cards are used for hosted ArcGIS Pro deployments.
Virtual client
Virtual clients are virtual desktop environments deployed on a local physical desktop. Virtual Desktops interface through a hypervisor for access to physical desktop processing resources. Each Virtual Desktop has its own installed Desktop operating system. Desktop applications are installed in each separate Virtual Desktop machine. Virtual Desktops run on the client physical workstation..
Vendor offerings:
- Windows: Virtual PC
- Citrix: XenDesktop
- VMware: VMware VDI
Note: CPT workflow: Increase client load to handle visualization.
Best practice: Virtual desktops are used by Esri for development and classroom training environments.
Warning: Some virtual desktop environments to not have access to hardware video cards which contributes to some performance degradation noticed by users.
ArcGIS Desktop architecture patterns
ArcGIS Desktop software is supported on Microsoft Windows desktop and terminal server host platform environments. QT Desktop Runtime provides ArcGIS components for custom desktop application development. Python is a fully supported scripting language used for process automation. Figure 9.5 provides an overview of the software components supporting the ArcGIS Desktop application.
ArcGIS Desktop is deployed in a client/server component architecture. The client applications are tightly coupled when accessing a DBMS data source, exchanging hundreds of sequential data requests to complete each user map display transaction. A typical map display is refreshed in less than a second, requiring a very chatty protocol exchange with the connected database.
Best Practice: Communications between the ArcGIS Desktop application and an Enterprise Geodatabase should be limited to stable high-bandwidth local network environments with minimum network latency.
ArcGIS direct access to remote DBMS data sources can result in reduced display performance and unstable editing operations. The most common architecture for supporting remote client editing uses terminal access to a central Windows Terminal Server located in the Enterprise Geodatabase data center, which we will discuss later in this chapter.
Network latency is the primary cause for reduced display performance when connecting to a remote database. Display performance can be improved by reducing the number of sequential application round trip requests per display. You can reduce the required round trips to the server by establishing a local feature cache or by accessing remote DBMS data sources through an ArcGIS Server feature service. You could also establish ArcGIS Desktop local basemap layers to further improve display performance for a defined work area. These are some workaround options for improving display performance, and may not be practical for all workflow scenarios.
ArcGIS Desktop software connects to local file and Imagery data sources, DBMS sources, map and imagery cache, and Web data services. Web data services can be overlaid with local data in a standard GIS map display. ArcGIS Desktop software includes Web access to a variety of worldwide high quality ArcGIS Online basemaps and is fully integrated with publishing and collaborating through ArcGIS Online organization membership.
The CPT data source selections for an ArcGIS Desktop workflow include a variety of data source formats (DB_DBMS, SFG_Small File GDB, LFG_Large File GDB, SSF_Small Shape File, LSF_Large Shape File, or Cache_Cached Tiles). Appropriate application query load adjustments (Workstation/terminal server desktop application or server SOC) are made based on the data source selection.
ArcGIS Desktop workstation architecture
Four distributed ArcGIS Desktop workstation configuration patterns are identified in Figure 9.6. These configuration patterns include access to a networked file data source, direct connect access to an Enterprise Geodatabase, direct access to a supported DBMS (non-SDE), and DBMS access through an ArcGIS Server feature service.
The ArcGIS Desktop software will provide native file access to GIS data located on local disk. GIS applications can access a remote file data source by using Microsoft's Common Internet File Services (CIFS) or similar UNIX Network File Services (NFS). When mounting the remote disk, the remote file would appear as a local file share to the desktop application. Query processing for a file data source is supported by the ArcGIS Desktop application.
ArcGIS Desktop software provides a direct connection to all supported database servers. The direct connect option (Direct Connect) includes the direct connect API executables and will communicate with a database client installed on the same machine. The database client will support network communications to the database server.
ArcGIS Desktop software provides direct connections to supported database servers providing view, query and analysis of the DBMS data content. Some of the databases you access can contain geodatabase tables, functions, and procedures, but they don't have to; you can connect to any supported database and view the data from ArcGIS Desktop.
Enterprise geodatabases, also known as multi-user geodatabases, are stored in a relational database using Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, IBM Informix, or PostgreSQL. These geodatabases require the install of ArcSDE schema and can be unlimited in size and numbers of users.
ArcMap allows you to edit a supported database by creating a local copy of data from a published ArcGIS Server feature service. You can then make edits to the local copy in ArcMap and synchronize the edits back to the service. Edits can be made to the local copy without having to be connected to the server. Access to the server is only required when creating the local copy or applying changes from the local copy to the server. This workflow can be useful when your organization has disconnected employees and provides a common method for editing the same data using multiple clients, such as through the web or using desktop applications. The functionality is built into ArcMap and does not require any customization. Edits to a published feature service are captured in a single version of the database.
Four ArcGIS Desktop workstation configuration alternatives are identified in Figure 9.6. All configurations are supported by ArcGIS Desktop applications installed on a local workstation. ArcGIS Desktop workstation configuration options include access to a network file data source, direct connect access to an Enterprise geodatabase, direct access to a non-SDE DBMS, and DBMS access through an ArcGIS Server feature service.
New ArcGIS Pro remote desktop deployment patterns
For over 20 years, recommended ArcGIS Desktop architecture patterns would host both the ArcMap application and the database on the same local network (ArcMap direct connection to an Enterprise Geodatabase over a remote network connection did not perform well). ArcGIS Pro, deployed with ArcGIS Enterprise, provides a powerful new Web GIS services architecture that introduces an alternative remote desktop solution for distributed GIS operations.
- Web GIS provides an alternative ArcGIS Desktop services architecture pattern that performs well over remote network connections.
- The base ArcGIS Enterprise deployment provides a framework for publishing and sharing dynamic content with remote ArcGIS Desktop clients over wide-area network connections.
- ArcGIS Pro supports edits to a remote supported database through dynamic feature service connections.
- > ArcGIS Pro can maintain a local cache for features from a published ArcGIS Enterprise feature service,
- > Edits can be performed with the local client cache.
- > Edits are synchronized back to the service data source.
- ArcGIS Enterprise also allows Portal named users to create filtered Web map layers that support focused dynamic remote client edit operations.
- > Create a web layer from a published feature service.
- > Turn off all layers that are not required for edit operations.
- > Share map with feature service editing enabled.
- > Perform connected dynamic remote edit operations with minimum bandwidth traffic and optimum display performance.
- ArcGIS Pro's powerful multi-threaded capabilities enable clients to perform local geoprocessing on their workstation while working with remote data sources over a wide area network.
- > Clients can leverage dedicated local workstation processors and video card for multiple background jobs while supporting desktop operations.
Best Practice: ArcGIS Pro ArcGIS Enterprise connections provide an alternative cost-effective remote desktop solution.
Note: The high cost of centralized ArcGIS Pro remote desktop host platforms, along with the risk of resource contention when deploying several powerful ArcGIS Pro workflow sessions in a shared host environment, will potentially favor a Web GIS architecture for supporting ArcGIS Desktop remote client operations.
CPT Calculator ArcGIS Desktop workstation configurations
Centralized Windows Terminal Server/Remote Desktop Services (Citrix) Architecture
The Microsoft Windows Terminal Server (name changed to Remote Desktop Server <RDS> with Windows Server 2008 R2 release) operating system establishes a multiuser environment on a Windows server host. A Windows terminal client (name changed to Remote Desktop Connection with Windows Server 2008 R2 release) provides display and control of applications executed on the Windows Terminal Server. Microsoft uses a standard Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for communication between the terminal server and the Windows client. Windows terminal server platform memory recommendations are generated based on peak concurrent ArcGIS Desktop user sessions supported by the selected platform configuration.
The Citrix Xen Application Server (XenApp) enables a more efficient independent computing architecture (ICA) protocol to communicate between the terminal server and client Windows platform. The ICA protocol requires less than 28 Kbps bandwidth (rendering vector data information products) for full Windows display and control of GIS applications supported on a Windows Terminal Server. Traffic can increase to 100 Kbps bandwidth when accessing a raster data source. XenApp supports client software for Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and embedded Web client applications.
XenApp provides many additional benefits over just RDS alone, including “seamless” windows, universal print drivers, and HDX technologies such as HDX 3D Progressive Display for imagery acceleration, just to name a few. Most Esri customers that deploy centralized thin-client solutions have realized the benefits of Citrix XenApp and have deployed it in addition to standard RDS. There is currently a very large Esri customer user base that utilizes Citrix XenApp for ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap operations. The following knowledge base article provides Esri best practices for running ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap in a Citrix XenApp environment.
Esri initially certified ArcGIS 10 SP2 as a hosted application with Citrix XenApp 6 and Windows 2008 R2 using the Citrix ICA Online Plug-in for Windows 12.1. Esri has since certified ArcGIS 10.3 as a hosted application with Citrix XenApp 6 and XenApp 6.5 with Windows 2008 R2 using the Citrix ICA Online Plug-in for Windows 13.1.
Though XenApp is a popular solution and meets most desktop application publishing needs, there are a few limitations with its use in GIS. The limits are primarily centered on supporting graphic intensive displays such as those from ArcGlobe and other 3D applications. These limits can result in the need to maintain some presence of thick-client desktops for targeted power users that require high-performance and 3D graphics environments. Design and testing efforts are in work with our vendor partners to improve 3D performance in remote desktop deployment patterns. Citrix shares results for their commitment with Esri in supporting ArcGIS Pro for Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop.
Further, centralizing applications and data naturally creates a distributed printing environment. This can be particularly problematic for large plot printing used in GIS. Solutions are available to help with remote printing management and these solutions are being used by Esri Citrix customers. The following reference document addresses printing with ArcGIS in Citrix environments and mentions some of the available solutions. Two of the most popular have been ThinPrint and UniPrint.
Four distributed ArcGIS Desktop Citrix configuration alternatives are identified in Figure 9.7. All configurations are supported by remote terminal client access to ArcGIS Desktop applications hosted on a central Windows Terminal Server. ArcGIS Desktop Citrix configuration options include access to a network file data source, direct connect access to an Enterprise geodatabase, direct access to a non-SDE DBMS, and DBMS access through an ArcGIS Server feature service.
Terminal clients have a persistent connection with the Windows Terminal Server ArcGIS Desktop session; lost connections are reinstated without losing the session (referred to as Session Reliability in XenApp). The application display is provided over the network to the terminal client, requiring much less data transfer than the spatial data query chatter between the application and the data source. The terminal client display traffic requirements are very small; supporting good application performance over 28 Kbps modem dial-up connections (displays with an image backdrop require more bandwidth).
CPT Calculator remote ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro) configuration.
ArcGIS Pro reference sites (recommendations for ArcGIS Pro VDI host platform configurations)
- Virtualizing ArcGIS Pro: Nvidia Grid vGPU Profiles May 2015 Deployment configuration: 10-12 ArcGIS Pro Virtual Desktops on high performance 24-core server with two NVIDIA GRID video cards.
- Virtualizing ArcGIS Pro: Nvidia GRID Tesla M60 July 2017
- ArcGIS Desktop Virtualization Appliance October 2018 Deployment configuration: Up to 25 ArcGIS Pro Virtual Desktops on high performance 36-core server with NVIDIA Tesla GPU accelerator cards.
Best Practice: Provide dedicated host platform environment for ArcGIS Pro virtual desktop deployment.
ArcGIS Enterprise services architecture
Figure 9.8 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise software licensing components. ArcGIS Enterprise licensing includes software for a basic deployment along with options for additional separate ArcGIS Server roles.
ArcGIS Enterprise software components include Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Web Adaptor, and five additional server roles.
- ArcGIS Enterprise software licensing
- ArcGIS Server is delivered as a single software install that includes web service endpoints and SOC functions within a single software bundle.
- An optional web adaptor component is included for enhanced security and network load balancing.
- Portal for ArcGIS software provides overall content management for information security, collaboration, and sharing.
- ArcGIS Server roles expand capabilities to include ArcGIS Image Server, ArcGIS GeoEvent Server, ArcGIS GeoAnalytics Server, and ArcGIS Business Analyst Server.
ArcGIS Server roles are designed for rapid deployment, user collaboration sharing, and friendly administration.
ArcGIS Enterprise deployment strategies
Figure 9.9 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise deployment strategies. ArcGIS Enterprise provides what you need to enable enterprise GIS content development and sharing based on your business needs.
ArcGIS Enterprise provides a component-based architecture that can be deployed and scaled as required to satisfy GIS operational needs.
ArcGIS Enterprise base deployment
- Relational data store supports feature data tables.
- Portal for ArcGIS provides content management and security.
- Hosting ArcGIS Server manages Portal published services.
- ArcGIS Data Stores manage Portal published data resources.
Server roles
- ArcGIS Server supports registered GIS services.
- ArcGIS Image Server supports image services and raster analytics.
- ArcGIS GeoEvent Server supports real-time events.
- ArcGIS GeoAnalytics Server supports spatial and temporal analysis.
Base ArcGIS Enterprise deployment is required to support ArcGIS Server role capabilities.
ArcGIS Server software architecture
Web mapping services provide an efficient and effective approach to serving map products and services over the Internet. The ArcGIS Desktop architecture presented earlier in this section requires tightly coupled client/server processes that demand stable high-bandwidth communications supported over relatively short distances. Web client communications are supported using a transaction-based HTTP, which supports optimum communications over long distances and less stable communication environments.
ArcGIS Server services are published through a Web server. Web server clients are presented with a catalog of published services when accessing the Web site. Web applications consume map services and render a client presentation layer to support the published application workflow. Client and Web servers are loosely coupled (stateless) connection in which each client communication represents a complete transaction. Transactions are processed by the appropriate Web-based GIS server and returned to the client.
Esri Web GIS services are hosted by ArcGIS Server software. ArcGIS Server provides an ArcGIS software-based environment for deploying GIS server-based ArcGIS applications and services. ArcGIS Server can be deployed as a Web service for Internet/Intranet clients or as a network service for local desktop clients. Rich internet applications (RIA) Web clients are loosely connected, lightweight, handheld or desktop computers that can support a variety of Web based applications and include persistent data cache and potentially support disconnected GIS client operations. Client application deployment and data exchange are managed by ArcGIS Server parent services. ArcGIS Imagery services are fully integrated into ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Server with the ArcGIS 10 release.
The software architecture components for ArcGIS Server include Web browsers, Portal for ArcGIS, RIA clients, GIS Server, and geodatabase software components that can be deployed on different platform combinations to support scalable capacity and system availability requirements. Location of the various software components and the selected software configuration contributes to system capacity, service reliability, security, and overall output performance.
ArcGIS 10.1 was a major release for Server. ArcGIS 10.1 for Server introduced all the primary functionality of ArcGIS 10 delivered in a new 64-bit JAVA based software component architecture. ArcGIS 10.1 for Server was designed for rapid deployment and friendly administration. Server enhancements improved installation, performance, reliability, administration, cloud deployment options, and more Linux friendly software compatibility. Primary software components associated with the ArcGIS Server software architecture are identified in Figure 9.10. GIS Server support access to file data sources, ArcSDE Geodatabase and non-geodatabase database sources, imagery and cached tile data sources.
ArcGIS Server is delivered as a single software install that includes the web service endpoints within a new fully integrated GIS Server software bundle. An optional Web Adaptor component is included with the ArcGIS Server install package for improved security and network load balancing.
ArcGIS Server key site aware component functions
Figure 9.11 provides an overview of the terminology used to describe the ArcGIS Server architecture. An ArcGIS Server high availability configuration will be used to introduce these terms. These terms will be discussed in more detail as we describe the ArcGIS Server architecture patterns later in this chapter.
The initial ArcGIS Server install defines the primary components that make up a named Site. These primary components include the GIS Server and the Site Configuration Store (ConfigStore). The Site ConfigStore contains all service definitions and configuration parameters for GIS Server machines within the named Site. Data source path names are included as part of each service definition. Each GIS Server includes HTTP end points (SOAP, REST, Open Standards) available for publishing and serving Web services. HTTP access to GIS Server services is through HTTP port 6080. HTTPs secure communications with GIS Server is provided through port 6443.
When you join a new GIS Server machine to a named Site, it will automatically deploy service configurations as defined in the Site ConfigStore (service configurations are defined per GIS Server machine). The ConfigStore contains a single repository that defines all GIS Server machine configurations within a named GIS Server Site. All GIS Server machines within a site will share a single ConfigStore (a replicated copy of the ConfigStore would create a new Site). ConfigStore must be located on a file share which can be accessed by all GIS Servers within the named Site.
Warning: If you lose the ConfigStore or data source, you lose the site. ConfigStore backup and recovery was introduced with the 10.2 release..
ArcGIS Server includes optional Web Adaptor software that can be used to manage GIS Server inbound service requests. The Web Adaptor must be installed on a machine with a third party Web Server. The Web Adaptor is Site aware, which means that it will distribute inbound service requests across the active GIS Server machines within the named Site. The Web Adaptor can also act as a reverse proxy, accepting service requests on a configurable inbound port (i.e. Port 80) and communicating with the Site GIS Server machines on Port 6080. If any of the Site GIS Server machines fail, the Web Adaptor will route service requests only to the remaining active GIS Server machines (high availability failover functionality). A single Web Adaptor can service only one named Site. Multiple Web Adaptors can be assigned to a single named Site. Multiple Web Adaptors can be deployed on a single Web server (enables support for multiple ArcGIS Server named Sites from a single Web server).
A GIS Server named Site can include one or more GIS Server Clusters. All GIS Server machines within a defined Site Cluster will deploy the same service configurations. Each GIS Server machine can participate in only one Site Cluster. The Site ConfigStore will contain service configurations for all Clusters defined within the named Site. The Site ConfigStore file share will also include a Server Directories file for collecting and sharing common administrative Site directories.
ArcGIS 10.3 introduced the option for single-cluster configuration, with service handler load balancing disabled. Single-cluster deployment provides more scalable architecture and is the baseline for the ArcGIS 10.4 and 10.5 deployments.
Inbound service requests will be assigned to one of the GIS Servers located within the named Site. Inbound requests will be distributed across the site machines. In a single-cluster site, the machine that receives the inbound requires will complete the service transaction.
In a multi-cluster site configuration, a GIS Server service handler will assign the service request to the first available service instance within the named Site. If a service instance is not available on the assigned GIS Server machine, the service handler will send the request to an available service instance on another one of the GIS Server machines within the named Site for processing. All GIS Server service handlers are Site aware, which means they are able to assign an inbound service to any available service instance on any GIS Server machine within the named Site (service handler load balancing).
High availability implies there is no single software or server component failure that will results in a Site failure. A high availability configuration must include network load balancing with failover capability to ensure inbound traffic will be routed to an active Web gateway machine, at least two GIS Server machines, and high availability File Share for the ConfigStore, Server Directories, and any shared File data sources. Any DBMS data source would also need to be supported in a failover configuration. If you lose the ConfigStore or any of the required data sources, you lose the Site.
ArcGIS Server uses certain default ports to communicate with machines over the network. The Ports used by ArcGIS 10.2 for Server are identified in the Esri ArcGIS Help.
ArcGIS Platform deployment strategies
ArcGIS platform deployment strategies can include a mix of self-managed and vendor-managed configuration options.
Key ArcGIS components for Web GIS
- Web Apps
- GIS portal
- GIS service framework
- Ready-to-use content
ArcGIS platform configuration strategies
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- > ArcGIS Online Organization; Hosted services online; Online basemaps and services
- Software/data installed on-premises or in a private cloud
- > Portal for ArcGIS; ArcGIS Server; Data Appliance for ArcGIS
Best Practice: Deployment strategies can include a mix of self-managed and vendor-managed hardware option.
There are a few self-managed deployment options:
- Non-cloud on-premise ArcGIS Server deployment
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)-based community private cloud deployment
- Hybrid deployment, including IaaS and on-premises services
There are also vendor-managed deployment options:
- IaaS-based community private cloud deployment
- Hybrid of IaaS public and private cloud services
- Vendor-managed IaaS-based public cloud deployment
- Public SaaS-based deployment
How you deploy your ArcGIS Platform depends on your business requirements, as shared in this video on ArcGIS Deployment Patterns.
Portal for ArcGIS platform configuration
Figure 9.13 shows an overview of the Portal for ArcGIS configuration. Portal for ArcGIS can be installed on a stand-alone web server or as a content management component of a federated ArcGIS Server configuration.
Portal for ArcGIS enables secure and private content sharing within the organization and leverages mobile, server, and desktop clients.
Portal for ArcGIS is installed on a Web server with a dedicated ArcGIS Server Web adaptor. The server includes an identity store which contains Portal member user names, passwords, and roles. Portal for ArcGIS security authentication and authorization options are discussed in more detail in the Information Security chapter. Named users of the Portal organization can create Web maps, add services to their content, and share content with groups and other members throughout their organization.
Portal for ArcGIS releases starting with 10.3 include documentation for installing a high availability Portal configuration.
Registered Web services
Web services referenced in Web maps or added to the Portal are considered registered services. Web maps can be created from Public or internal published Web services.
Federated ArcGIS Server sites
Internal ArcGIS Server sites can be federated with Portal for ArcGIS. Federated ArcGIS Server site web services are published and shared by the Portal content management interface. Federated ArcGIS Server sites are managed as part of the Portal configuration. Access authorization for all federated ArcGIS Server sites are managed by the Portal for ArcGIS identify configuration.
ArcGIS 10.4 introduced capabilities for fine grained access control of federated ArcGIS Server sites. You can update a federated server site to restrict publishing and administrative access. Once updated, all portal publisher and administrator access will be controlled by group privileges unique to the restricted federated server.
Note: Only ArcGIS Server sites using version 10.2 or later can be federated with a portal.
Hosting server site
A federated ArcGIS Server site can be fully integrated with your portal if you designate it as a hosting server. A hosting server allows portal users to:
- Publish tiled map and feature services to the portal from ArcGIS Desktop.
- Share layers and maps from Esri Maps for Office.
- Create maps by adding CSV files and shapefiles from local machines to the portal map viewer.
- Publish CSV and shapefiles as feature services from the portal website.
ArcGIS Data Stores
ArcGIS Data Stores require a hosting ArcGIS Server. The ArcGIS Data Stores manage data for services published through Portal for ArcGIS. Portal publishing capabilities and deployed GIS Server roles drive ArcGIS Data Store selection.
Portal for ArcGIS can be deployed in a variety of configurations adapting to your hosting requirements. Portal for ArcGIS is supported by a dedicated Web Adaptor.
Best Practice: Use the Portal for ArcGIS Data Store (relational, introduced with ArcGIS 10.3) for scalable feature service deployment.
ArcGIS Enterprise platform configuration structure
Figure 9.14 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise base deployment and options for deploying the ArcGIS Server roles. ArcGIS Enterprise architecture includes single-tier, two-tier, and three-tier platform configuration options for adaptable data center management.
ArcGIS Enterprise is designed to support multiple single-, two-, and three-tier platform architecture solutions. All of the optional ArcGIS Server site deployment options are available for the ArcGIS Enterprise base deployment and for each of the ArcGIS Server roles. The optimum architecture solution is established based on operations security, systems management (environment isolation), and system capacity requirements.
Platform tier structure
- Base deployment: Includes Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Server (hosted), and required ArcGIS Data Stores.
- Single-tier structure: All software components are deployed on a single platform tier.
- Two-tier structure: Software components are deployed on two separate platform tiers.
- Three-tier structure: Software components are deployed on three separate platform tiers.
High-availability scalable architecture patterns
- Both web tiers can scale out to satisfy availability requirements.
- The ArcGIS Server tier can scale out to satisfy availability and capacity requirements.
- The DBMS tier can include a failover platform to satisfy high availability requirements.
ArcGIS Server is designed to support a scalable Web architecture. Optimum platform environments are configured using standard physical or virtual server platform technology. ArcGIS Server is licensed based on the number of platform processor core (virtual or physical) supporting the GIS Server software tier.
Best Practice: Each platform tier can support multiple servers to satisfy capacity requirements.
CPT Calculator ArcGIS Server platform configurations
Migrating standalone ArcGIS Server to ArcGIS Enterprise
Strategies for migrating your existing ArcGIS Server on-premise environment to ArcGIS Enterprise are shared in this migrating ArcGIS Server to ArcGIS Enterprise whitepaper.
Data center platform tier architecture
ArcGIS Enterprise includes an expanding number of servers. Figure 9.15 shows the variety of platforms supporting the Web GIS product architecture.
Enterprise solutions support four generic platform tiers.
- RDSH tier: Centralized ArcGIS Desktop deployment
- DBMS tier: Variety of database management solutions
- GIS tier: Variety of GIS application servers
- Web tier: ArcGIS Web Adaptors and Portal servers.
Separate platform environments (Web, Portal, Servers, Data source)may be required for internal and external services to satisfy security requirements.
Best Practice: High availability requires platform redundancy.
Warning: All components of the system must be configured with sufficient capacity to support peak business needs.
Best Practice: Capacity planning is essential to ensure deployment success.
Enterprise data center deployment strategies
GIS operations are changing, leveraging new technology and capabilities that were not available with traditional operations.
- Portal for ArcGIS deployment for on-premise system of engagement and improved security.
- ArcGIS Desktop migration from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro.
- Enterprise geodatabase migration from traditional versioning to branch versioning.
The following discussion shares ArcGIS system architecture design strategies supporting migration from traditional GIS operations to a full ArcGIS Enterprise Pro Web GIS deployment.
- Traditional ArcGIS Enterprise operations.
- ArcGIS Enterprise System of Engagement Initial Operational Capability.
- Full migration to ArcGIS Pro Web GIS enterprise operations.
Traditional ArcGIS Enterprise operations
Figure 9.16 shows a user needs summary for supporting traditional enterprise business operations.
- Local and remote ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap editors and viewers.
- - Desktop editors with heavy complexity workflows.
- - Desktop viewers with medium complexity workflows.
- Internal Web and image services.
- - Internal heavy complexity Web services.
- - Internal heavy complexity Image services.
- Public Web services.
- - Public heavy complexity 40 percent dynamic Web services with basemap cache.
Traditional GIS operations system architecture design solution
Figure 9.17 shows a traditional system architecture design solution architecture, including a recommended platform solution based on the CPT capacity planning analysis.
CPT Generic Traditional ArcMap App Sessions with ArcGIS Enterprise virtual server platform solution (Workflow Separation)
- Final solution architecture shows a platform configuration based on workflow separation best practices.
- - Terminal Server tier hosts remote ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap applications.
- - Web tier includes separate internal and public Web servers.
- - GIS Server tier includes internal and public GIS Server sites and a separate Image Server site.
- - Database tier includes separate production and publication geodatabase servers and the image services mosaic dataset (file geodatabase).
- Recommended platform solution. Servers are deployed in an on-premise Virtual Datacenter Architecture.
- - Terminal server application sessions are supported by a Citrix host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 6128 12-core host platforms.
- - Web, GIS, and Database servers are supported by a Server host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 5122 8-core host platforms.
- Estimated pricing
- - Host Platform Hardware = $117,989
- - GIS Server licensing = $36,000 per year
- - ISP Network services = $7,031 per month.
ArcGIS Enterprise System of Engagement Initial Operational Capability (IOC)
Figure 9.18 shows a user needs summary for ArcGIS Enterprise IOC business operations.
- Local and remote ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap editors.
- - Desktop editors with heavy complexity workflows.
- Local and remote ArcGIS ArcGIS Pro viewers.
- - Desktop viewers with medium complexity workflows.
- - Portal feature services published by ArcGIS Pro viewers.
- Internal Web and image services.
- - Internal heavy complexity Web services.
- - Internal Portal feature services published by new Portal Level 2 users.
- - Internal heavy complexity Image services.
- Public Web services.
- - Public heavy complexity 40 percent dynamic Web services with basemap cache.
- - Public Portal feature services published by new Portal Level 2 users.
ArcGIS Enterprise IOC operations system architecture design solution
Figure 9.19 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise IOC system architecture design solution architecture, including a recommended platform solution based on the CPT capacity planning analysis.
CPT Generic ArcMap App Sessions with ArcGIS Enterprise IOC virtual server platform solution (Workflow Separation)
- Final solution architecture shows a platform configuration based on workflow separation best practices.
- - Terminal Server tier hosts remote ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap edit workflows.
- > Remote ArcGIS Pro viewer access provided through published Web feature services (no terminal server clients)
- - Web tier includes separate internal and public Web and Portal servers.
- - GIS Server tier includes separate internal and public system of record and Portal hosted GIS Server sites and a separate Image Server site.
- - Database tier includes separate production and publication geodatabase servers, internal and public relational data stores, and the image services mosaic dataset.
- Recommended platform solution. Servers are deployed in an on-premise Virtual Datacenter Architecture.
- - Terminal server application sessions are supported by a Citrix host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 5122 8-core host platforms (7.1 percent peak utilization)
- - Web, GIS, and Database servers are supported by a Server host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 5122 8-core host platforms. (28.6 percent peak utilization)
- Estimated solution pricing
- - Host Platform Hardware = $124,659
- - GIS Server licensing = $60,000 per year.
- - ISP Network services = $7,031 per month.
ArcGIS Enterprise System of Engagement with ArcGIS Pro editors
Figure 9.20 shows a user needs summary for ArcGIS Enterprise system of engagement with ArcGIS Pro editors.
- Local and remote ArcGIS Pro Desktop clients.
- - Desktop editors with heavy complexity workflows.
- - Desktop viewers with medium complexity workflows.
- - Portal feature services published by ArcGIS Pro viewers.
- Internal Web and image services.
- - Internal heavy complexity Web services.
- - Internal Portal feature services published by new Portal Level 2 users.
- - Internal heavy complexity Image services.
- Public Web services.
- - Public heavy complexity 40 percent dynamic Web services with basemap cache.
- - Public Portal feature services published by new Portal Level 2 users.
ArcGIS Enterprise ArcGIS Pro traditional system architecture design solution
Figure 9.21 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise ArcGIS Pro traditional system architecture design solution architecture, including a recommended platform solution based on the CPT capacity planning analysis
CPT Generic Pro VDI with ArcGIS Enterprise virtual datacenter solution (Workflow Separation)
- Solution architecture shows a platform configuration based on workflow separation.
- - Terminal Server tier hosts all remote ArcGIS Desktop workflows.
- > Peak number of ArcGIS Pro VDI clients per host platform limited by NVIDIA GRID GPU user session capacity.
- - Web tier includes separate internal and public Web and Portal servers.
- - GIS Server tier includes separate internal and public system of record and Portal hosted GIS Server sites and a separate Image Server site.
- - Database tier includes separate production and publication geodatabase servers, internal and public relational data stores, and the image services mosaic dataset.
- Recommended platform solution. Servers are deployed in an on-premise Virtual Datacenter Architecture.
- - Terminal server virtual desktops are supported by the Citrix host platform tier.
- > Five (5) Xeon Gold 6132 28-core host platforms (6.4 percent utilization with no concurrent ArcGIS Pro background jobs)
- - Web, GIS, and Database servers are supported by a Server host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 6128 12-core host platforms. (29.1 percent peak utilization)
- Estimated solution pricing
- - Host Platform Hardware = $328,457
- - NVIDIA GRID GPU = $76,460
- - GIS Server licensing = $60,000 per year.
- - ISP Network services = $7,031 per month.
ArcGIS Enterprise ArcGIS Pro Web GIS client system architecture design solution
Figure 9.22 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise ArcGIS Pro Web GIS client system architecture design solution architecture, including a recommended platform solution based on the CPT capacity planning analysis.
CPT Generic remote Pro Web GIS ArcGIS Enterprise virtual datacenter solution (Workflow Separation)
- Solution architecture shows a platform configuration based on workflow separation.
- - Remote ArcGIS Pro editor and viewer access provided through published Web feature services (no terminal server clients)
- > Enterprise Geodatabase branch versioning required for remote ArcGIS Pro edit operations.
- - Web tier includes separate internal and public Web and Portal servers.
- - GIS Server tier includes separate internal and public system of record and Portal hosted GIS Server sites and a separate Image Server site.
- - Database tier includes separate production and publication geodatabase servers, internal and public relational data stores, and the image services mosaic dataset.
- Recommended platform solution. Servers are deployed in an on-premise Virtual Datacenter Architecture.
- - Web, GIS, and Database servers are supported by a Server host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 6128 12-core host platforms. (28.0 percent peak utilization)
- Estimated solution pricing
- - Host Platform Hardware = $74,028
- - GIS Server licensing = $60,000 per year.
- - ISP Network services = $6,701 per month.
ArcGIS Enterprise server roles
Figure 9.23 shows an overview of the ArcGIS 10.6 server roles. ArcGIS Enterprise server roles expand support for Portal collaboration with geoprocessing and real-time services. The ArcGIS Enterprise server role architecture promotes optimized workflow separation configurations.
ArcGIS Server software supports the following installed server configurations
ArcGIS Server core processing capabilities
- Configured in as many multi-machine sites that make sense for your particular deployment following workflow separation recommendations.
- For example, provide separate sites for different sets of map services, separate sites for heavy-weight geoprocessing, separate sites for CPU intensive routing services, ...
ArcGIS Image Server
- Configured multi-machine site for dynamic image services.
- Configure multi-machine site for raster analytics.
ArcGIS GeoAnalytics Server
- Configure multi-machine site for GeoAnalytics Server.
ArcGIS GeoEvent Server
- Configure single-machine sites for your particular deployment.
- At 10.5 and prior: strong recommendation to use single-machine sites for optimum scalability.
CPT Calculator ArcGIS Enterprise server roles.
ArcGIS Enterprise operations with Server Roles
Figure 9.24 shows a user needs summary for ArcGIS Enterprise Server Role deployment.
- Local and remote ArcGIS Pro Desktop clients.
- - Desktop editors with heavy complexity workflows.
- - Desktop viewers with medium complexity workflows.
- - Portal feature services published by ArcGIS Pro viewers.
- Internal Web and image services.
- - Internal heavy complexity Web services.
- - Internal Portal feature services published by new Portal Level 2 users.
- - Internal heavy complexity Image services.
- Public Web services.
- - Public heavy complexity 40 percent dynamic Web services with basemap cache.
- - Public Portal feature services published by new Portal Level 2 users.
- ArcGIS Server Roles.
- - Image Server (Raster Analytics)
- - GeoEvent Server
- - GeoAnalytics Server
ArcGIS Enterprise Server Role system architecture design solution
Figure 9.25 shows the ArcGIS Enterprise Server Roles system architecture design solution architecture, including a recommended platform solution based on the CPT capacity planning analysis.
CPT Design ArcGIS Enterprise Server Role Platform Solution
- Solution architecture shows a platform configuration based on workflow separation.
- - Remote ArcGIS Pro editor and viewer access provided through published Web feature services (no terminal server clients)
- > Enterprise Geodatabase branch versioning required for remote ArcGIS Pro edit operations.
- - Web tier includes separate internal and public Web and Portal servers.
- - GIS Server tier includes separate internal and public system of record and Portal hosted GIS Server sites and a separate Image Server site.
- - Database tier includes separate production and publication geodatabase servers, internal and public relational data stores, and the image services mosaic dataset.
- - Separate Image Server, GeoEvent Server, and GeoAnalytics server tier.
- Recommended platform solution. Servers are deployed in an on-premise Virtual Datacenter Architecture.
- - Web, GIS, Database, and Server Role servers are all supported by a Server host platform tier.
- > Two (2) Xeon Gold 6132 28-core host platforms. (39.2 percent peak utilization)
- Estimated solution pricing
- - Host Platform Hardware = $108,441
- - GIS Server licensing = $114,000 per year.
- - ISP Network services = $6,792 per month.
Concluding Remarks
There are several factors that should be considered when establishing your enterprise data center architecture. Many of these factors are determined based on business needs and standard IT operating procedures.
The primary focus for Esri system architecture design services is to identify hardware and infrastructure resources that satisfy user productivity needs during peak GIS system loads. This effort focuses on the primary production hardware and available network infrastructure bandwidth required to support GIS operations.
Other factors contribute to the final system configuration. These factors include provisions for system maintenance, updates, configuration control, software licensing, and security. System requirements often include hardware provisions for application development, system test, production staging, background processing (i.e. map cache maintenance and replication services), system backup, and security. System migration will normally include continued support for legacy operations while introducing new technology, often on separate hardware environments.
An Enterprise GIS design includes business, application, data, and technical architecture requirements. The Capacity Planning Tool provides a framework that models enterprise GIS performance and scalability, integrating the full range of Enterprise system design requirements into a solution that represents your GIS production needs.
CPT Capacity Planning videos
Previous Editions
GIS Product Architecture 43rd Edition
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System Design Strategies 26th edition - An Esri ® Technical Reference Document • 2009 (final PDF release)
