Set up cache size for raster catalogs

Summary

When a raster catalog is either panned or zoomed, each previous view is cached, enabling the catalog to be displayed faster. After multiple pans/zooms, ArcGIS may cause the computer to run out of memory. This occurs because the raster catalog will attempt to store each raster image into memory, and will eventually exhaust the system's memory. One method of managing the memory is to have a limit on the cache.

Procedure

Warning:  
The instructions below include making changes to essential parts of your operating system. It is recommended that you backup your operating system and files, including the registry, before proceeding. Consult with a qualified computer systems professional, if necessary.

Esri cannot guarantee results from incorrect modifications while following these instructions; therefore, use caution and proceed at your own risk.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. In the Run dialog, type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate the registry tree to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI\Raster.
4. Right-click the Raster folder, point to New, and click DWORD Value.
5. Type CatalogCacheSize, and press Enter.
6. Right-click CatalogCacheSize, and click Modify.
7. Click the Decimal radio button.
8. In the Value Date box, type the number of images that need to be cached. There is no default number suggested, since it depends on the dataset. A very high number will store many images in memory - speeding up display and taking up much memory. Conversely, a low number will take longer to display the catalog, but will take up less memory. A balance between the two will provide optimal results.
9. Click OK, and close the Registry Editor.