Differentiate between Master and Published Map Document

Although with ArcGIS Server map services are not directly based on the ArcMap MXD document anymore but on service definition files, it is still recommended to differentiate between master map documents from published map documents. This way, you retain a backup MXD file that represents the status of the MXD as it was published the last time.

 

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As a consequence, you need to copy over the master map document to the location where the published map document is stored every time you want to update your ArcGIS Server Map service. It is recommended to create a directory ServiceDocuments in the ArcGIS Server location (<ArcGIS Server location>\directories\ServiceDocuments). See below for details.

 

Using the directory <ArcGIS Server location>\directories\ServiceDocuments provides the significant advantage that all published map documents are stored in one central location and, therefore, can be maintained, managed and backed up easily.

 

ServiceDocuments directory in ArcGIS Server location

ServiceDocuments directory in ArcGIS Server location

 

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Since ArcGIS 10.1 for Server a service has to be explicitly republished (i.e. overwrite an existing service) in order to display any changes in the service that have been made in the MXD document. It is not sufficient anymore to only save the MXD document and restart the service!