I am creating a website for a non-profit organization and would like to plot points on a map similar to this: http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=931d892ac7a843d7ba29d085e0433465
I am currently plotting points on google maps through its API, but it isn't a great solution and I have heard that Google has rights to that point. (Correct me if I'm wrong) Anyway, I was wondering if there was a good way to use the USGS Topo layer on the USGS website to plot points dynamically through javascript with an API or some other means… Is there anyway I can set this up through mapnik, similar to this (http://www.toposm.com/us/index.html)?
On another note I have to be "licensed" in order to access ArcGIS javascript API, don't I? Or is this incorrect?
Best Answer
The ArcGIS Javascript API in and of itself is free. However, to add your own content you would need a license to ArcGIS Server.
You could use arcgisonline.com to create a map similar to the link you provided and add a spreadsheet that contains the plot points you want. This is a free service, however, I think there is a limit on the amount of features you can add (somewhere around 1000). All you need to get is an ESRI global ID if you don't have one already.