WebOffice flex is an alternative client based on ArcGIS API for JavaScript 4.x on the client-side, which is a programming interface of Esri Inc.. It was designed for providing

•a smart client user interface for vertical applications (i.e. applications that focus on one or few specific topics/aspects. The vertical approach is the complete opposite of the professional (general purpose) web client approach of the WebOffice core client)

•an easy-to-use user interface – you need three mouse clicks for getting displayed the data/object you are interested in

•fast map rendering and modern user interface

 

Compared to the flash based WebOffice flex (Flash) client, there are more advantages with the WebOffice flex client:

•Running without Flash plug-in – There is no need to install plug-ins to use the WebOffice flex client since it is based on ArcGIS API for JavaScript 4.x.

•Touch first – The new graphical user interface is based on current web trends to guarantee a modern user experience and is optimized for touch-enabled devices. Due to the support of a cross-platform map handler, it is also possible to operate the client via mouse.

•Optimized for the use on large mobile devices (≥ 7.9 ; i.e. resolution ≥ 1024 * 768px), with WebOffice 10.6 in addition provision of a GUI for smartphones.

•Use of geodata in 2D map presentation or 3D scene presentation

 

UI Concept

The user interface concept of WebOffice flex includes three main types of functionality:

•Query/Result

•Tools

•Map Components

 

Especially the first two types may interact with each other:

•users may switch between full-text search and predefined queries but can only use one at a time

•users can only use one tool of the toolbar at a time

•users may switch between the query function and a tool, the non-used component will be minimized

•search results (popups) will be hidden when using tools but reactivated when the query component gets active

 

Search Concept

WebOffice flex provides different query types used throughout the WebOffice platform:

•full-text search

oglobal full-text search

othematic full-text search

•advanced search

ohierarchic predefined queries

onon-hierarchic predefined queries

 

WebOffice flex Client will initially show

•the full-text search if configured or

othe standard predefined query if configured or

▪the list of predefined queries

 

Note: VertiGIS recommends to try to cover as much as possible with the global full-text search, since it follows the widely used see what you get approach (e.g. Google search). Use predefined queries only where absolutely necessary.

 

 

Tool Concept

Once a tool is started, most of them will open a tool form on the left side below the search bar. When switching back to the search while using a tool, the tool form will be minimized and only the header bar will be visible. All settings previously made will be kept and by clicking on the header bar, the user can reactivate the tool. Once they use another tool or hit the x-button the tool form will be reset.

 

WebOffice flex client active tool vs. active search form