Processing raster data

Summary This topic provides a brief introduction to raster processing and explains how it should be performed by ArcObjects developers.

In this topic

About processing raster data

Processing raster data is a very important step in bringing imagery and raster data into geographic information system (GIS) applications. Generally, ArcGIS provides two types of raster processing capabilities: geometric processing, which transforms raster data into a correct map coordinate system; and radiometric processing, which transforms the pixel values to enhance display and provide meaningful pixel information for further analysis.
Raster processing handles the following typical situations:
  • Transforms (georeferences) your imagery into the correct coordinate system so you can overlay your raster data with other GIS layers
  • Reads the sensor model in the raster data and transforms imagery into map space and orthorectifies the imagery using elevation models
  • Projects raster data to your specified projection
  • Resamples raster data into the pixel resolution of your choice
  • Mosaics and clips raster data
  • Pan-sharpens RGB data with high resolution panchromatic imagery to enhance spatial resolution
  • Applies various filtering algorithms to enhance raster display
  • Creates hillshade and slope from elevation data for further raster analysis
For more information on processing raster data, see Image Analysis window: Processing section.

Processing raster data using geoprocessing tools and ArcMap toolbars

ArcGIS provides a set of easy-to-use geoprocessing tools and ArcMap toolbars. The geoprocessing tools for processing raster data are located in the Raster Processing toolset of the Raster toolset and in the Projections and Transformations toolset in the Data Management toolbox. The Georeferencing toolbar in ArcMap allows you to georeference raster data by interactively setting the source and target control points. A dynamic raster processing capability is introduced at ArcGIS 10 whereby you can access dynamic raster processing capabilities through the new Image Analysis window or by editing function chains, described in the ArcGIS Desktop User Help topic Editing function chains in a mosaic dataset.

Processing raster data using ArcObjects

Although many raster processing capabilities have been exposed to the end user through geoprocessing tools and ArcMap toolbars, you may still need to develop applications using ArcObjects to meet your specific requirements. To extend processing capabilities such as writing your own geodata transform, raster function, pixel filter, and so on, you can use the ArcObjects application programming interface (API).