The mosaic layer displays as a checkerboard in ArcGIS Pro

Description

When viewing a mosaic layer in ArcGIS Pro, the layer displays on a map with a checkerboard pattern.

In certain circumstances, when zoomed in, the mosaic layer displays on the map.

Cause

• Broken mosaic dataset paths. Moving or copying a mosaic dataset can break the reference mosaic dataset paths. A broken mosaic dataset path causes the mosaic layer to appear as a black and white checkerboard.
• Missing or incomplete overviews for the mosaic dataset. When zoomed in, the mosaic layer displays the raster image instead of a checkerboard pattern, and the mosaic dataset used is confirmed to have the correct and updated paths. This is an expected behavior after running the Define Overviews tool.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the cause, use one of the following workarounds to resolve the issue.

Repair the mosaic dataset path

Repair the broken mosaic dataset paths in ArcGIS Pro. The broken mosaic dataset paths can be repaired by utilizing ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing tools. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Repairing paths in a mosaic dataset for instructions and more information.

Use the Build Overviews tool

In ArcGIS Pro, run the Build Overviews tool after running the Define Overviews tool. The Define Overviews tool allows a user to specify additional parameters for the overviews and requires executing the Build Overviews tool afterward. Follow the workaround below to define and generate overviews for the mosaic dataset by utilizing the Build Overviews tool.

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. Click the Analysis tab > Tools.

3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click the Build Overviews tool.

4. In the Build Overviews pane, click the Parameters tab.
5. Under Mosaic Dataset, click the drop-down list next to the Browse icon, or click the Browse icon, and select the mosaic layer. In this example, 'rastermosaic' is selected.
6. Check the Define Missing Overview Tiles and Generate Overviews check boxes.
7. Expand Overview Generation Options, and check the Generate Missing Overview Images Only and Regenerate Stale Overview Images Only check boxes.
8. Click Run.

The image below shows the mosaic layer with the same zoom level, which displays the missing raster image after running the Build Overviews tool.