Image collection explorer

The Image collection explorer allows the input images used to create the imagery layer to be reviewed individually in a map. In the Image collection explorer pane, you can access the input images to review metadata about them, see the footprint of the individual image, and create imagery layers based on the individual images.

Review input images with Image collection explorer

When a dynamic imagery layer created as an image collection is added to a web map, the Image collection explorer can be used to explore the input imagery to locate a particular input image or images based on your criteria. You can filter the input images, control what metadata is displayed when browsing, and then add the individual images as separate imagery layers. To explore the input imagery in your dynamic imagery layer, follow these steps:

Note:

The Image collection explorer pane is only available when you add an imagery layer with an attribute table. Tiled imagery layers, map image layers, and tile caches cannot be accessed in the Image collection explorer pane. Image collection explorer is available for dynamic imagery layers with the collection imagery type attribute or imagery layers from ArcGIS Image Server.

1. Confirm that you are signed in and, if you want to save your changes, that you have privileges to create, update, and delete content.

   Note:

   You can explore maps, add and configure layers, and more without signing in. To save your work, sign in before creating a map.

2. In Map Viewer, open the map containing the layer or add the layer directly.
3. On the Settings (light) toolbar, click Image collection explorer .

   The Image collection explorer pane appears with options to sort, filter, and alter the listing of each input image in the image collection.

4. If necessary, find the input image you are looking for using the following options:
   • Filters —Limit the visible images for selection by an Area of interest value or an Attribute value. If you choose Area of interest, you have the following options:
     • Display extent—All the images in the current display extent
     • Visible—Only the images that are visible in this display extent
     • All—All the images in the image collection

     If you choose Attribute, the fields in the attribute table will be the available options.

   • List settings —Shows the fields that are visible in the list and whether thumbnails are visible.
   • Sort by —Sort by a field or by order.

   Caution:

   The selection of available input images changes depending on the option chosen. It is possible to make a selection that prevents input images from being visible.

5. In the Image collection explorer pane, specify the tool to use to review the input imagery. The options are as follows:
   • View image details —Review the metadata of the individual images.
   • Zoom to image —Pan and zoom the map to the selected image.
   • Add image to map —Add a version of the imagery layer to the map with the Lock mosaic raster rule applied.

   If you choose Add image to map, an imagery layer appears in the Contents pane that you can use in a web map.

   Tip:

   To use this input image in other applications, click Save as to save the imagery layer as an item in your organization. It appears in your ArcGIS Online organization under Imagery layer.

6. When you finish reviewing the images, close the Image collection explorer pane.

Adding imagery to a map from a collection

When you select an image to add to the map, that image will appear as an imagery layer in the web map. The new imagery layer references the original imagery layer. If the original imagery layer is deleted, the input image removed, or otherwise modified, then the imagery based you have saved could be affected.

Depending on the image, the visualization of that layer may appear differently from the imagery layer it was selected from. The new imagery layer can be symbolized differently and have a different processing template applied. You can also save the new imagery layer as an item in your organization. This new item will appear as an imagery layer in your organization and can be added to new maps normally.

Tip:

When you use this imagery layer in raster analysis, modify the environment setting for Processing Extent to be sure that you are only using the spatial extent of the new imagery layer rather than the entire spatial extent of the original imagery layer.