MSD File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .msd
Primary Use Storing map service configurations for ArcGIS Server
File Type Binary
MIME Type application/octet-stream
Versioning Supports multiple versions for ArcGIS compatibility
Created By ESRI ArcGIS software
Data Types Supported Raster, Vector, and Service Layers
Compression Utilizes proprietary compression for efficient storage
Editable Indirectly via ArcGIS tools
Platform Windows (mainly), with limited support on Linux
Interoperability Can be published as web services accessible by various GIS clients
Security Supports secure access via ArcGIS Server
Components Stored Map layers, styles, configurations
Advantages Efficient storage, Fast loading on server
Disadvantages Requires specialized software for creation and editing
Usage Context Enterprise GIS systems, Web mapping applications
Visualization Requires ArcGIS or compatible viewer for full functionality
Customization Highly customizable via ArcGIS software
Documentation Extensively documented by ESRI
License Proprietary, requires ArcGIS licensing