FAQ: When to Publish a Raster Dataset as a Map Image Service vs. an Image Service?

This article explains when to publish a raster dataset as a map image service or an image service (via ArcGIS Image Server), or when to leverage raster analytics for distributed processing. Choosing the correct service type ensures raster data is optimized for performance, interactivity, or advanced spatial analysis, depending on the use case.

Use a Map Image Service (MapServer) when:

You want to visualize raster data in a web map without enabling analysis.
You aim to optimize performance with cached tiles for fast rendering at scale.
Your audience only needs a static or pre-rendered representation of the raster. for example, basemaps or reference layers.
You don’t need access to individual pixel values or raster functions.
You are integrating the raster into non-analytical dashboards or viewers.

Use an Image Service (ImageServer) when:

You need raw pixel access for scientific workflows or spatial analysis, for example, elevation, NDVI, multispectral data.
You want to enable on-the-fly processing, including raster functions, band math, and dynamic rendering.
You require per-pixel querying, for example, GetPixelValue REST operations.
You plan to consume the raster in analysis tools, such as Spatial Analyst or Raster Analytics in ArcGIS Pro or Map Viewer.
You want to expose multidimensional raster data, such as time-series or climate data.

Use Raster Analytics (via ArcGIS ImageServer in Raster Analytics mode) when:

You need to perform distributed raster analysis on large or complex datasets
You are running batch raster workflows via Portal, Python Notebooks, or REST API, for example, Zonal Statistics Across Scenes, Classify Pixels, Suitability Modeling.
You want to store output in the Raster Data Store and automate high-volume image processing pipelines.
Your organization supports large-scale image analysis via a spatiotemporal big data store and multi-node raster analytics deployment.

Comparison Chart:

Feature/Capability	Map Image Service (via ArcGIS Server)	Image Service (via ArcGIS Image Server)	Raster Analytics
Primary Purpose	Visualization and fast rendering	Dynamic raster access and light analysis	Distributed raster analysis and large-scale image processing
Licensing requirements	ArcGIS Server	ArcGIS Image Server License	ArcGIS Image Server License + Raster Analytics extension
Typical Use Case	Basemaps, land cover, scanned maps	Elevation data, scientific imagery, remote sensing datasets	Suitability modeling, change detection, automated workflows
Suited For	Web apps, dashboards, and viewers needing simple raster display	Analytical workflows and applications needing real-time processing	Analytical workflows and applications needing real-time processing
Publishing Endpoint	/MapServer	/ImageServer	/ImageServer + Portal Raster Analysis Tools
Dynamic Raster Functions	Not Supported	Supported	Supported
Pixel-level Access	Not Supported	Supported	Supported
Raster Function templates	Not Supported	Supported	Supported
Performance Optimization	Optimized for performance through tile caching	Designed for dynamic rendering; performance may vary	Designed for dynamic rendering; performance may vary
Multidimensional Data Support	Not supported	Supported (for display and exploration)	Supported (for time-aware analysis across scenes)
Client Tools Compatibility	Web Maps and dashboards (view only)	ArcGIS Pro, Map Viewer, Python Tools	ArcGIS Pro, Map Viewer, Notebooks, Python API
Integration with raster Data Store	Not Supported	Not Supported	Required
Deep Learning Tools	Not Supported	Not Supported	Supported
Distributed (mult-node) processing	Not Supported	Not Supported (single node only)	Supported
Rendering Behavior	Static rendering with limited interactivity	Real-time rendering that adjusts to user input and extent	Depends on the output (RA tools can be used on a feature service or image service)
REST API Capabilities	Limited to map service endpoints	Includes raster-specific endpoints like GetSamples and GetValue	Full REST access to analysis tools via /RasterAnalysis

Final Considerations

Image Service:
- If your goal is interactive analysis, raster calculations, or pixel-level access, publishing to ArcGIS Image Server as an Image Service is the right choice.
Map Image Service:
- If your priority is performance and visual display in web maps without the need for raster analysis, publish to ArcGIS Server as a Map Image Service.
Raster Analytics:
- Required for scalable, distributed image processing, automation, or advanced modeling across large imagery collections.

Article ID: 000036368