In ArcMap, using an ArcIMS image service, what is wrong with the resolution of my printed map?

In ArcMap, you can use an image map service (e.g., GIS Server connection) to create printed maps. However, if you are using a large format plotter (e.g., one that is greater than standard printer paper size), the resolution on the printed map may be granular, blocky, or of poor quality. This is a known limitation with ESRI ArcIMS software.

The setting for image resolution residing on the ArcIMS server directly influences the print quality in ArcMap on the client side. When you view images from an ArcIMS service, the server-side application sends images (e.g. .png, .gif, or .jpg files) to your computer that are limited to 96 dots per inch (dpi). This is fine for viewing images on a monitor or printing to a standard desktop printer; however, when a layout is sent to a plotter at 300 dpi or higher, the ArcIMS 96 dpi limit results in a low resolution, pixelated plot.

Increasing the ArcIMS image setting on the server to 300 dpi would result in extremely slow performance on the web or in ArcMap, causing longer redraw times when viewing the images. For this reason, UITS has decided to keep the 96 dpi limit to increase efficiency with the Indiana Spatial Data Service (ISDS).

To work around this problem, UITS recommends that you do not use an image map service, but instead download the high-resolution images for your area of interest to your computer. For high-resolution images in Indiana, see the Indiana Spatial Data Portal. For spatial data in other locations, see At IU, what spatial data resources are available?

Comments/Questions/Corrections