The tfnsw_arcgisview
extension was developed to allow the team to share ArcGIS visualizations, which are typically behind a login wall, with the public. This extension ensures that ArcGIS visualizations can be embedded seamlessly in the CKAN portal, providing a smooth user experience without authentication prompts.
The tfnsw_arcgisview
extension enables the embedding of secure ArcGIS visualizations within an iframe in CKAN. By using stored credentials, it automatically generates an authentication token to load the ArcGIS visualization without requiring end users to log in.
The extension requires the following configuration values in ckan.ini
:
ckanext.arcgis.username
: ArcGIS account username (provided by the TFNSW team).ckanext.arcgis.password
: ArcGIS account password (stored securely).ckanext.arcgis.referrer
: The referrer URL for ArcGIS authentication.ckanext.arcgis.arcgis_url
: The base URL for the ArcGIS service.
Security Note: The ArcGIS credentials are stored as secure variables in Azure DevOps and managed within AWS Secrets Manager during container deployment to ensure secure handling.
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Add the Extension to CKAN: Ensure the
tfnsw_arcgisview
extension is added to yourckan.ini
configuration file. -
Add a Resource: Create a resource in CKAN for the dataset you wish to link with an ArcGIS visualization. This resource doesn’t have to contain data but serves as the basis for creating the view.
-
Create the View: In the newly created resource, select "ArcGIS View" from the view type dropdown menu.
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Enter the ArcGIS Visualization URL: Provide the URL for the ArcGIS visualization you want to embed.
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Render the View:
- When the view is loaded, the extension uses the provided credentials to request an authentication token from ArcGIS.
- The token is then appended to the ArcGIS URL, allowing it to load securely within an iframe in CKAN.
- This setup enables CKAN to authenticate automatically with ArcGIS, so users see the visualization without being prompted for login credentials.
By using this extension, TFNSW can display ArcGIS visualizations securely in CKAN, ensuring public access without compromising on authentication security.