The ArcGIS JavaScript Extension for Virtual Earth is a JavaScript control that has objects with methods and properties that allow you to add interactive mapping and GIS functionality to your website. The ArcGIS JavaScript Extension for Virtual Earth combines a Microsoft Virtual Earth map control with services from an ArcGIS Server computer.

Except for the brief introduction in the first walk-through, this Help does not cover the basic functions of the Virtual Earth map control itself. If you would like to learn more about using the Virtual Earth map control, visit the Virtual Earth Interactive SDK at Microsoft.

Using the ArcGIS JavaScript Extension for Virtual Earth

This section provides walk-throughs to help you get started with the ArcGIS Virtual Earth API. You do not need to follow the walk-throughs in order, though the later ones are more complex than the first few.

• Creating a base map with Virtual Earth
• Adding an ArcGIS Server service to the Virtual Earth map
• Finding map features
• Identify or find features near a location
• Querying features by spatial relationship 
• Working with a geoprocessing service
• Getting information about map services

About tasks

The ArcGIS JavaScript Extension for Virtual Earth includes several tasks for finding information about places on the map. How do you choose the right task for your application? Here are some tips.

• Use the FindTask to search for text within one or more map layers. The Finding map features walk-through uses the FindTask.
• Use the IdentifyTask to find features in one or more layers on the map at or near a point, line or polygon. The Identify or find features near a location walk-through is an example of using the IdentifyTask.
• Use the QueryTask to perform more complex queries on a single map layer. The query may search by location, by attributes, or both. The attribute part of the query may use a SQL expression. The location part of the query may search based on a point, line or polygon. The Querying features by spatial relationship walk-through uses the QueryTask.
• The Locator task finds the location of addresses, or finds the address at a given location.
• The Geoprocessor task uses geoprocessing services to perform analysis of spatial data. The specifics of the analysis depends on the geoprocessing service. The Working with a geoprocessing service walk-through shows an example of using a Geoprocessor task.