Description of the Esri Display Library

The STK Esri Display Library ("the Library") allows developers to integrate Esri map documents and GIS functionality into custom STK X and STK Engine applications. It also allows for automation of GIS functionality in STK and manipulation of map documents from external scripts or applications.

With this capability the STK rendering and animation engine can directly open and visualize Esri map documents. This is accomplished by embedding the ArcGIS Engine into the STK 3D capabilities.

The Library is a thin wrapper on top of ArcObjects. It is functionally equivalent to the ArcGIS esriDisplay library, but for STK. It also exposes a few helper classes to facilitate configuration and manipulation of GIS data in the specifc context of STK and custom applications.

Using the Library the 3D visualization can ingest GIS data in its native format (i.e. without requiring prior conversion to a specific format). The native GIS information is processed on the fly, as the 3D view changes:

• Feature layers are rendered directly as OpenGL primitives, according to the layer symbology settings. Markers/labels are billboarded. Each time the 3D view changes, the ArcGIS engine is used to regenerate the optimal GIS information for the current view.
• Other type of layers (including raster layers, ArcGIS Server layers, WMS and IMS layers) are draped on the globe. These layers are processed like any other STK globe textures.

In both cases, the GIS data is rendered at the optimal resolution for the current 3D view. Follow this link for information on Best Practices for optimizing GPS processing.

The Library also provides:

• The ability to import GIS data as STK objects, which enables the use of the GIS data for analysis in the STK analytical engine.
• Access to the Esri ArcGIS map document and layers, so you can use ArcObjects to configure and manipulate GIS information and its metadata. This gives you access to the powerful capabilities included in the ArcGIS engine. (In order to use those capabilities, you need to obtain the appropriate development kit from Esri.)

STK Programming Interface 11.0.1