We've recently added the ability to check the status of OGC (wms, wfs) and ArcIMS based map services to the Geospatial Portal. Being able to test a service allows users to quickly determine if using the service is worth the effort of adding to their project. After a user conducts a search that returns either wms, wfs, or ArcIMS map services, users can click the "Check Service" link (see image below) to determine the current status of the service.

The service is checked using the the Status Service Checker from the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). Results of the test are viewable in a new window as illustrated below.

We hope this feature proves to be useful to you and as always please let us know if you have any suggestions.  Also, we encourage you to check back often or subscribe to our RSS feed for this blog to stay apprised of developments.