Generate mosaic dataset overviews in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Mosaic datasets are used for managing, displaying, analyzing, serving, and sharing imagery or raster data. In ArcGIS Pro, lower-resolution images known as mosaic dataset overviews can be generated to improve the speed at which the dataset is displayed. This method is useful for displaying high-resolution imagery, managing overlapping datasets, and allowing flexibility in data creation through parameters.

The workflow provided in this article involves creating a mosaic dataset and defining parameters for mosaic dataset overviews. The defined parameters are then used to generate mosaic dataset overviews in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

Note:
The Create Mosaic Dataset, Define Overviews, and Build Overviews tools require an ArcGIS Desktop Standard or Advanced license.

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. On the View tab, in the Windows group, click Catalog Pane.
3. In the Catalog pane, create a mosaic dataset using the Create Mosaic Dataset tool. Right-click the geodatabase and click New > Mosaic Dataset. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Create a mosaic dataset for instructions.

4. Set parameters for mosaic dataset overviews using the Define Overviews tool.
1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Define Overviews (Data Management Tools).
2. In the Define Overviews pane, for Mosaic Dataset, select the mosaic layer from the drop-down list.
3. For Output Location, click Browse and specify a location and name for the output mosaic dataset overviews.
4. Check the Force Overview Tiles check box under Overview Tile Parameters to create overviews above the raster’s base pixel size.
5. Click Run.

5. Generate overviews on the mosaic dataset using the Build Overviews tool.
1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Build Overviews (Data Management Tools).
2. In the Build Overviews pane, for Mosaic Dataset, select the mosaic layer from the drop-down list.
3. Uncheck the Define Missing Overview Tiles check box.
4. Click Run.

6. Add the mosaic dataset overviews to the map. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Browse to data to add to a map or scene for instructions.

The image below shows the generated overviews on the mosaic dataset in ArcGIS Pro.