From http://arcdata.esri.com/data_downloader/DataDownloader?part=10200 On this page, moving the cursor over the map changes it into cross-hairs, which suggest instantly to the user that rectangles can be drawn. this code probably has something to do with that functionality: function initMap() { setState("zoomIn"); setZoomBoxSettings(); // Set map cursor if(isIE && document.all.theTop) { if(state == "pan") { document.all.theMap.style.cursor = 'move'; } else { document.all.theMap.style.cursor = 'crosshair'; } } else if(isNav && !isNav4) { var layer = getLayer("theTop"); if(state == "pan") layer.cursor = 'move'; else layer.cursor = 'crosshair'; }