How can you visualize data from ArcGIS Server in an external application?

Visualizing data from ArcGIS Server in an external application is most effectively achieved by consuming REST services in application frameworks. REST (Representational State Transfer) services provide a standardized way to access and manipulate data hosted on ArcGIS Server through a web interface. This allows external applications to request specific datasets or perform various operations, such as querying or editing data dynamically.

Using REST services facilitates integration across various platforms and programming languages, making it versatile for web and mobile applications. The ability to seamlessly pull in live data from ArcGIS Server into an external application enhances the functionality and user interaction with geographic data.

While exporting data to CSV format can be a method to visualize static data by importing it into another application, it lacks the real-time capability and interactivity that REST services provide. Creating interactive dashboards may use the data effectively but typically relies on underlying data sources, like REST services, to keep the information fresh and real-time. Integrating with desktop applications only limits the potential reach and usability of the geographic data, as it does not accommodate web or mobile application integration. Thus, consuming REST services stands out as the most comprehensive and flexible method for visualizing data from ArcGIS Server in various external applications.