Changing the mosaic method used when viewing the mosaic dataset

The mosaicked image displayed from a mosaic dataset can be created from a number of input rasters. The mosaic method defines how the mosaicked image is created from these rasters. For example, when using the By Attribute method, the values in an attribute field are used to sort the images, and when using Closest to Center, the image closest to the center of the display is positioned as the top image in the mosaic. Additionally, the mosaic operator allows you to define how to resolve the overlapping cells, such as choosing a blending operation.

When working with the mosaic dataset, there are two places to modify the mosaic method. If you're editing the mosaic dataset and you need to set the mosaic method, you can modify the mosaic dataset properties. This permanently alters the mosaic dataset. However, if you're viewing the mosaic dataset as a data source and not modifying it for the benefit of others, you can change the mosaic method from the Image layer. This way, you only impact your display and do not permanently impact others when viewing or accessing the mosaic dataset.

The mosaic methods are defined as part of the mosaic dataset properties, but all may not be available. The mosaic methods include the following:

When using a date field with the By Attribute mosaic method, the base value must be entered using one of the following:

To use the Closest to Viewpoint mosaic method, you need to add the Viewpoint controller to your application. To do this, see Using the Viewpoint window.

The mosaic operators include the following:

Generally, the mosaicked image is created using the following process:

  1. A spatial query defines the potential images.
  2. The current scale is compared with the minimum and maximum pixel values of the potential images.
  3. The qualified images are selected and sorted according to the mosaic method (the sorting order can be ascending or descending).
  4. The overlapping area is resolved by the mosaic operator.
When the Lock Raster mosaic method is specified, the first two steps above are not used.

Steps:
  1. In ArcMap, expand the mosaic dataset layer in the table of contents, right-click the Image layer, then click Properties.

    In ArcGlobe, right-click the mosaic dataset layer and click Properties.

  2. Click the Mosaic tab.
  3. Click the Mosaic Method drop-down arrow and choose a method.
    • If you choose By Attribute, you can specify a field and base value.
    • If you choose Lock Raster, you can specify a raster ID value to which the mosaic dataset will be locked.
  4. Optionally, uncheck Sort Ascending.

    This reverses the ordering method.

  5. Optionally, click the Mosaic Ordering drop-down arrow and choose a different ordering method.

Related Topics


8/21/2013