Project a netCDF file in ArcMap

Summary

By design, netCDF (network Common Data Form) files storing multidimensional scientific data (variables) must be converted to raster layers before they can be projected in ArcMap. A projected netCDF file shows the variables at the most accurate location.

This article provides instructions to convert a netCDF file to a raster layer and project the converted raster layer.

Procedure

1. In ArcMap, use the Make NetCDF Raster Layer tool to convert the netCDF file to a raster layer. Refer to ArcMap: Reading netCDF data as a raster layer for steps to do this. A netCDF raster layer is created and added to Table Of Contents.

Note:
To export each time slice of the netCDF file as a TIFF file, refer to How To: Export each time slice from a NetCDF layer as a single raster (*.tif).

2. Export the output raster layer from Step 1 as a new raster layer.
   1. In Table Of Contents, right-click the output raster layer, and navigate to Data > Export Data.
   2. In the Export Raster Data window, set the parameters as desired, and click Save to export the raster layer.

3. Project the exported raster layer using the Project Raster tool. Set the tool parameters according to the desired projection, and click OK.

4. Open the projected raster layer in a new map, and add a basemap. The netCDF raster layer is aligned accurately.