Create a raster layer with multiple symbology items

You can set up raster layers to support multiple defined symbology items. Each symbology item will display the raster layer with a predefined set of symbology parameters. This means you don’t need to redefine the symbology each time you use a different variable (on the Multidimensional tab) or apply a processing template (on the Data tab). You can also set up multiple symbology items for a regular raster layer so that it can also have multiple predefined items.

The following video is an example of how to symbolize a multidimensional raster with multiple symbology items.

Note:

A raster layer may contain a data source of multiple variables such as a layer created from a netCDF file or a data source with multiple templates such as a .crf file. These variables or templates often require different types of default symbology.

Once you preconfigure a symbology item, you can register it, which applies specific symbology parameters for a specific variable, template, or renderer for the layer. These settings are saved in a layer file (.lyrx) that can be shared and used by others with similar raster datasets; however, this layer file will contain more than one set of predefined symbology parameters.

To create a raster layer with multiple symbology items, complete the following steps:

  1. Set the symbology.

    If you are using multidimensional data or a raster function template, ensure that you are on the proper variable or template.

  2. Register the symbology items.
  3. Manage the symbology items if necessary by editing existing symbology sets or adding another symbology set to the raster layer.
  4. Save the multiple symbology items in a layer file.
  5. Use the raster layer with all the symbology items.

Once the symbology items have been registered and saved in a layer file, you can use the symbology items from the Symbology drop-down list—as if it was another primary symbology type.

You can share and import this .lyrx file with raster datasets and raster layers that are similar.