Creating cache in ArcGIS Server using ArcGIS Image Server services generates empty tiles

Description

When generating a cache for a service serving imagery from ArcGIS Image Server, the cache tiles are empty or white.

Cause

This is a limitation of the image service coming from the ArcGIS Image Server.

By default, the maximum size of an image service request is limited to 3000 x 3000 pixels, which is the same as the default limit in ArcIMS. However, when ArcGIS Server creates a cache, it makes requests to Image Server that are 4096 x 4096 pixels. When Image Server gets a request that exceeds its default limit, it does not process the request or return data.

Solution or Workaround

1. Start ArcMap and add the Image Service Editor toolbar.
2. Open the image service.
   See the link in the Related Information section below for information on opening and editing an existing service.
3. Click the Image Service Properties button to open the Image Service Properties dialog box.
4. Click the Client Interface Control node.
5. Change the Maximum Columns and Maximum Rows value to 5000 each. Click OK to close the dialog box.
6. Recompile the image service:
   A. Click the Image Service dropdown menu on the Image Service Editor toolbar.
   B. Highlight Advanced.
   C. Click Compile.
   D. Close ArcMap when complete.
7. Open the Service Manager.
8. Navigate to the image service and then click the Synchronize button on the Image Server Manager toolbar. When synchronizing an image service, the Image Server Manager reloads the image service with the latest changes.