How To: Convert pixel values of a raster from meters to feet and from feet to meters

Summary

The instructions provided describe two methods for converting the pixel values of a raster from meters to feet, or from feet to meters.

Note:
 The conversion factors in this article are for the international foot (ft), which is the standard measurement used in the United States.

Procedure

Use the Times tool from the Spatial Analyst extension

1. Navigate to the Geoprocessing menu: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Math > Times.
2. Input the raster to be converted in one of the input fields.
3. Convert the raster cell value to the desired unit:
   • From meters to feet, input a constant value of 3.2808399, the conversion factor for meters to standard or international feet, in the other input field.
     
     
      
   • From feet to meters, input a constant value of 0.3048 in the other input field.
     
     
      
   • Verify the name and location of the output raster and click OK.

Use the Raster Calculator from the Spatial Analyst extension

1. Navigate to the Geoprocessing menu: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Map Algebra > Raster Calculator.
2. To convert the raster cell values from meters to feet, double-click the desired layer from the Layers and variables section, and multiply by 3.2808399.
   
   

• To convert the raster from feet to meters, multiply the raster by 0.3048.
  
  

3. Verify the name and location of the output raster, and click OK.

Note:
The conversion factors for meters to U.S. survey feet (ftUS) is 3.2808333, and from ftUS to meters is 0.3048006096. For more information on distance units, refer to the following documentation, ArcGIS Help: About distance units and editing.

Related Information

• ArcGIS Help: Times (Spatial Analyst)
• ArcGIS Help: Raster Calculator (Spatial Analyst)