Quality of image or layout exported from ArcMap server on Solaris is poor

Description

The quality of the image or layout exported from ArcMap server on Solaris is poor.

Cause

When an 8-bit pixel depth setting is used on the ArcIMS Server machine, the output image generated on that server may be grainy or pixelated.

The default behavior of ArcIMS ArcMap server is to use a Virtual Display Server (XVFB) that emulates a frame buffer that is not associated with any physical display. The pixel depth for this virtual display server is automatically set to 24-bit when it is started. When XVFB is used the output image quality should be good.

This article applies only if the default behavior of ArcMap Server has been modified by disabling the use of XVFB and if the current color depth setting is not 24-bit.

Solution or Workaround

1. Perform the command su as 'root'.
2. Identify the graphics card by typing:
   
   

   Code:
   #/usr/sbin/prtconf -F

   
   
3. Identify that 24 bit graphics is supported on the card:
   
   

   Code:
   #/usr/sbin/m64config -prconf

   
   Check the line that reads "possible depths".
   
   Alternately some machines allow use of the command:
   
   

   Code:
   #/usr/sbin/fbconfig -pfconf

   
   
4. Change the depth and resolution if it is not already set to a 24-bit color depth.
   
   

   Code:
   #/usr/sbin/m64config -res 1152x900 -depth 24

   
   Verify the resolution is set to 1152x900 or below, the PGX+ framebuffer does not support 24-bit color depth at resolutions above 1152x900.
   
   Make the change permanent, so that the system will use 24 bit graphics on boot up.
   Alternately some machines will allow use of the command:
   
   

   Code:
   fbconfig -dev pfb0 -depth 24

   
   to set a 24 bit color depth.
5. Create the following directory if it does not exist:
   
   

   Code:
   #mkdir /etc/dt/config
   #cp /usr/dt/config/Xservers  /etc/dt/config/Xservers

   
   
6. Perform the following commands:
   
   

   Code:
   #cd /etc/dt/config
   #vi Xservers

   
   View the last line of the file. It should appear as:
   
   

   Code:
   :0   Local local_uid@console root /usr/openwin/bin/Xsun :0 -nobanner

   
   Change this line to look like:
   
   

   Code:
   :0 Local local_uid@console root /usr/openwin/bin/X -dev /dev/fb0 defdepth 24

   
   
   

   Note:
   The color depth can also be changed to 8-bit by specifying defdepth 8 in this line.

   
   If dual framebuffers are installed, specify the color depth for each of them as follows:
   
   

   Code:
   :0 Local local_uid@console root /usr/openwin/bin/X -dev /dev/fb0 defdepth 24 -dev /dev/fb1 defdepth 24

   
   
7. Save the file, and reboot the system to restart the Xserver.
8. Check the changes by typing:
   
   

   Code:
   #m64config -prconf

   
   or
   
   

   Code:
   #fbconfig -prconf

   
   This should show current depth: 24.
   
9. Stop and Start the ArcIMS daemons: Tasker, Monitor and Application Server for these changes to take effect.