HOW TO

Create a mosaic dataset containing 16-bit and 8-bit imagery in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: March 5, 2024

Summary

A mosaic dataset is a data structure designed to efficiently manage and organize multiple raster datasets as a single dataset. This dataset enables the storage and management of different types of imagery at varying pixel depths and resolutions. The pixel depth in imagery is critical for preserving originality and color accuracy, which allows for more detailed and accurate representations of the scene. In ArcGIS Pro, when a 16-bit imagery is added to the 8-bit mosaic dataset, the stretch processing template must be applied to ensure consistency in the visual representation of the data across different datasets. This method allows for the seamless integration and analysis of multiple image sources while maintaining an accurate view of a specific area. This article describes how to create a mosaic dataset containing 16-bit and 8-bit imagery in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

  1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
  2. Create an empty mosaic dataset in the file geodatabase using the Create Mosaic Dataset tool.
    1. On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
    2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Create Mosaic Dataset (Data Management Tools).
    3. In the Create Mosaic Dataset pane, for Output Location, click Browse The Browse button and select the geodatabase.
    4. Specify Mosaic Dataset Name.
    5. For Coordinate System, click the Select coordinate system The Select coordinate system button to open the Coordinate System window.
    6. In the Coordinate System window, expand Projected Coordinate System or Geographic Coordinate System to specify the coordinate system. In this example, NAD 1983 UTM Zone 11N is selected. Click OK.
    7. For Number of Bands under Pixel Properties, specify the number of bands for the raster datasets in the mosaic dataset. In this example, there are three bands.
    8. For Pixel Type, select 8-bit unsigned from the drop-down list.
    9. Click Run.
The Create Mosaic Dataset pane
  1. Add the 8-bit imagery to the mosaic dataset using the Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset tool.
    1. On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
    2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset (Data Management Tools).
    3. In the Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset pane, for Mosaic Dataset, select the created mosaic dataset in Step 2 from the drop-down list. In this example, the mosaic dataset named MD_1 is selected.
    4. For Input Data, click Browse The Browse button and select the 8-bit imagery.
    5. Click Run.
The Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset pane
  1. Add the 16-bit imagery with the stretch processing template to the mosaic dataset.
    1. On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
    2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset (Data Management Tools).
    3. In the Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset pane, for Mosaic Dataset, select the created mosaic dataset in Step 2 from the drop-down list. In this example, the same mosaic dataset named MD_1 is selected.
    4. For Input Data, click Browse The Browse button and select the 16-bit imagery.
    5. For Processing Templates, select Stretch from the drop-down list.
    6. Click Run.
The Add Rasters To Mosaic Dataset pane

The image below shows the mosaic dataset with the 16-bit and 8-bit imagery in ArcGIS Pro.

Image of the mosaic dataset with 16-bit and 8-bit imagery

Article ID: 000031979

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 1
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 0
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 2

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