PROBLEM

The Kernel Density tool does not generate the expected output in ArcMap

Last Published: April 26, 2020

Description

In some instances, the Kernel Density tool generates a blank output with a very small extent. In other cases, wrong density values are generated.

Note:
To check the extent of the layer, right-click the layer, click Properties, and click the Source tab.

Cause

The issue occurs because the projection of the data is in a geographic coordinate system (GCS). To use the tool, the data must be in a projected coordinate system (PCS) that has a linear unit of measurement because the tool calculates the number of features per unit area.

Note:
Examples of linear units of measurement are feet, meters, kilometers, and so forth.

A GCS uses decimal degrees based on a spheroid as its units of measure, and is therefore, subject to spatial distortion that affects the accuracy of distance.

Solution or Workaround

Re-project the data into a suitable PCS using the Project (Data Management) tool. For more information about this tool, refer to the following ArcGIS Help document, Project (Data Management).

Article ID: 000012276

Software:
  • ArcMap

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