HOW TO

Apply a raster function template to symbolize classified data in a mosaic dataset or image service published from ArcMap

Last Published: September 12, 2023

Summary

Symbolizing classified data is useful for data analysis. A raster function template can be saved from a layer's symbology and applied on a mosaic dataset or image service published from ArcMap. However, this results in the image being displayed with the RGB Composite renderer by default. This is a known limitation. Refer to BUG-000110154.

To symbolize classified data on a mosaic dataset or image service published from ArcMap, the raster function template created must include a function chain of an Attribute Table Function, Colormap Function and Remap Function.

 

    Procedure

    The workflow below describes how to create a raster function template with a function chain that includes an Attribute Table Function, Colormap Function and Remap Function to symbolize classified data in a mosaic dataset or image service published from ArcMap.

    Note:
    The dataset used must be a 1-band mosaic dataset and integer type raster. Refer to ArcMap: Raster dataset properties and ArcMap: Int for more information. 
    
    Publishing a map containing a mosaic dataset requires ArcGIS Image Server. 

    Add the mosaic dataset with an attribute table to the map, and generate a colormap file

    1. Add the mosaic dataset to the map.
    2. Ensure the added mosaic dataset has an attribute table. If there is no attribute table, add a raster attribute table to the dataset using the Build Raster Attribute Table tool. Refer to FAQ: Why is Open Attribute Table in ArcMap grayed out for some raster datasets? for steps to do this.
    3. Generate and save a colormap file according to the symbology of the classified mosaic dataset.
      1. Under Table Of Contents, in the Layers pane, right-click the dataset, and click Properties.
      2. In the Layer Properties window, click the Symbology tab.
      3. In the Show pane, click Unique Values.
    Layer Properties
    1. Select the desired values. Hold the Shift key while selecting multiple values.
    2. Right-click the selected values. Click Properties for selected Colors, and select a desired color.
    3. After all the values are set with corresponding colors to the classified symbology, click Colormap > Export Colormap.
    4. In the Save As window, specify a File name for the colormap file, and select CLR Files (*.clr) for Save as type.
    5. Click Save.

    Create a raster function template with a function chain that includes an Attribute Table Function, Colormap Function, and Remap Function

    1. Create a raster function template.
      1. Click Windows > Image Analysis.
      2. In the Image Analysis window, click the dataset to enable the Processing functionality.
      3. Under the Processing pane, click the Add Function Add Function icon.
    Image Analysis window.
    1. Insert Attribute Table Function into the raster function template.
      1. In the Function Template Editor window, right-click the mosaic dataset, and click Insert Function > Attribute Table Function.
      2. In the Raster Function Properties window, click the Attribute Table tab.
      3. In Input Raster, click the Folder icon and select the mosaic dataset.
      4. In Attribute Table, insert the same mosaic dataset containing the attribute table.
      5. Click OK.
    Attribute Table Function
    1. Insert Colormap Function into the raster function template.
      1. In the Function Template Editor window, right-click the mosaic dataset, and click Insert Function > Colormap Function.
      2. In the Raster Function Properties window, click the Colormap tab.
      3. In Input Raster, click the Folder icon and select the mosaic dataset.
      4. In Colormap, click the Folder icon and insert the Colormap file generated through the steps in the section above.
      5. Click OK.
    Colormap Function.
    1. Insert Remap Function into the raster function template.
      1. In the Function Template Editor window, right-click the mosaic dataset, and click Insert Function > Remap Function.
      2. In the Raster Function Properties window, click the Remap tab.
      3. In Input Raster, click the Folder icon and select the mosaic dataset.
      4. In Remap Definition, select List.
      5. Edit the table under Remap Definition according to the values of the classified symbology.
      6. Click OK.
    Remap Function.
    1. Click OK in the Function Template Editor window to apply the raster function.

    Export and save the raster function template file

    1. Export the raster function template that includes the full function chain created in the previous steps.
      1. Click Windows > Image Analysis.
      2. In the Image Analysis window, click the resulting mosaic dataset.
    Image analysis window.
    1. Under the Processing pane, click the Add Function Add Function icon icon.
    2. Right-click the item ID, and click Export As Template.
    Export as template
    1. Save the raster function template file.
      1. In the Function Template Editor - Untitled window, click File > Save As.
      2. In the Save As window, specify a File name for the raster function template and ensure Raster Function Template XML File is selected for Save as type.
      3. Click Save.

    Apply the raster function template to the mosaic dataset in the map or when publishing the mosaic dataset as an image service

    1. Apply raster function template to the mosaic dataset in the map.
      1. In the Catalog window, right-click the mosaic dataset, and click Properties.
      2. In the Mosaic Dataset Properties window, click the Processing Templates tab, and click the Folder Folder icon icon.
    Mosaic Dataset Properties window.
    1. In the Select Raster Function Template window, select the created raster function template file and ensure RFT Files is selected for Files of type.
    2. Click Open.
    3. In the Mosaic Dataset Properties window, click OK.
    1. Alternatively, apply the template to the mosaic dataset when publishing it as an image service.
      1. In the Catalog window, right-click the mosaic dataset, and click Share As Image Service.
      2. In the left pane of the Service Editor window, click Parameters > Function.
      3. In the Function page, next to Manage raster function templates, click Manage.
    Service Editor window
    1. In the Manage Raster Function Templates window, click the Add File Add File. icon.
    Manage Raster Function Template window.
    1. In the Add File window, select the created raster function template file and click Open.
    2. In the Default drop-down menu, select the same template, and click OK.
    3. In the Service Editor window, click Publish.

    Article ID: 000021073

    Software:
    • ArcMap
    • ArcGIS Server

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