Create contours from XY data using Spatial Analyst

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to create contours from XY data using Spatial Analyst.

Procedure

1. Start ArcCatalog.
2. Browse to the table that contains the XY data.
3. Right-click on the table and select Create Feature Class > From XY Table.
4. Select the X Field and the Y Field and leave the Z Field as <none>.
5. Select an appropriate coordinate system.
6. Specify an output shapefile or feature class and click OK.
   
   

   Note:
   This tool is documented in ArcGIS Desktop Help > Contents > ArcCatalog > Exploring the values in a table > Creating new data sources from the values in a table.

   
   
7. Convert the points to a raster surface using a Surface Interpolation method available in the Spatial Analyst menu.
   
   

   Note:
   These interpolators are described in detail at: ArcGIS Desktop Help > Contents > Extensions > Spatial Analyst > Interpolating to raster

   
   
8. Create contours from the surface using the Contours tool in Spatial Analyst > Surface Analysis.
9. Select the Input surface from the drop-down list.
10. Select a Base Contour and a Contour Interval based on the 'Input height range'.
11. Set a Z factor, if necessary.
12. Specify an output feature class and click OK.
    
    

    Note:
    Additional information can be found in the ArcGIS Desktop Help > Contents > Extensions > Spatial Analyst > Surface Analysis > Contour.