A dynamic imagery layer is a type of imagery layer you can publish and work with in ArcGIS Online that references the source raster data and performs processing and rendering on the fly. This means that anytime you interact with the layer, for example, by panning or zooming in a map, ArcGIS Online accesses and processes the source data, and displays it on your screen.
Note:
Dynamic imagery layers are labeled in the user interface as Imagery layer. To locate a dynamic imagery layer in your organization, choose Imagery layers for the Item type filter on the Content page.
You can do the following with dynamic imagery layers:
- Access—With a Creator, Professional, or Professional Plus user type and the Publish hosted dynamic imagery layers privilege, you can publish a hosted dynamic imagery layer in ArcGIS Online. With a Professional or Professional Plus user type and the Imagery Analysis privilege, you can use dynamic imagery layers as input to raster analysis tools and raster functions.
Note:
The Publisher, Facilitator, and Administrator roles include these privileges by default.
- Publish—You can create a hosted dynamic imagery layer from a single image or multiple images. If you have multiple images, you can configure the layer as an image collection, which allows you to query and work with one or more specific datasets from within the collection. Alternatively, you can mosaic multiple images into a single dataset. Learn more about how to publish a hosted dynamic imagery layer.
Note:
If you have the URL for an image service, such as a dynamic image service from ArcGIS Enterprise, you can add it as an imagery layer to ArcGIS Online. This layer is not hosted and has different functionality than hosted imagery layers.
- Use—In general, dynamic imagery layers are designed for use in more advanced data management and analysis workflows. With dynamic imagery layers, you can do the following:
- Work with pixel data and metadata.
- Perform raster analysis.
- Work with multidimensional data.
- Manage and apply processing templates.
- Work with an image collection.
- Process raster data using image management tools.
- Perform on-the-fly orthorectification and mosaicking.
- Share—As the owner of a hosted dynamic imagery layer or member of the administrator role, you can modify its item details and change its settings, which will affect how other users can work with that layer. Hosted dynamic imagery layers can be shared with your organization and specific groups, but they cannot be shared with the public. You can share a dynamic imagery layer that is not hosted in ArcGIS Online, which indicates that the layer references data stored and managed outside of ArcGIS Online, with the public.
Dynamic imagery layer type attributes
Imagery layers (tiled and dynamic) have type attributes that indicate properties about the layer. You can view an imagery layer's type attributes in the summary section of its item page or in the table of items on the Content page of your organization. The type attribute appears in parentheses next to the imagery layer type.
Dynamic imagery layers can have one or more of the following type attributes:
- hosted—Indicates that the imagery layer is hosted in your organization. A dynamic imagery layer without this type attribute indicates that the layer is not hosted in your ArcGIS Online organization.
- multidimensional—Indicates that the imagery layer is multidimensional. You can configure its multidimensional settings in Map Viewer.
- collection—Indicates that a dynamic imagery layer is configured as an image collection. You can use image management tools on hosted image collections to perform additional data processing, and you can work with the layer in Image collection explorer and Filter in Map Viewer.
Layer functionality comparison
Imagery layers (tiled and dynamic) contain raster data and support visualization and analysis. As the owner of a hosted dynamic imagery layer, you can access and modify advanced layer settings. Additionally, you can configure a dynamic imagery layer as an image collection. If you do not require the advanced functionality of a dynamic imagery layer, tiled imagery layers support most common imagery and raster workflows and provide fast rendering and analysis.
An image collection is useful for workflows that require the ability to query, filter, and work with a subset of multiple, independent datasets that are a part of a larger collection. The additional functionality an image collection provides is a common reason you may choose to work with a dynamic imagery layer instead of a tiled imagery layer.
The following table compares the functionality of image collections, dynamic imagery layers that are not image collections, and tiled imagery layers that are hosted in ArcGIS Online:
| Interface | Functionality | Dynamic imagery layer (collection) | Dynamic imagery layer (non-collection) | Tiled imagery layer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Map Viewer | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | No | No | ||
Set blending, resampling type, and transparency and visibility range | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes (beta) | ||
Yes | No | No | ||
Yes | No | No | ||
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Server processing | Yes | Yes | No | |
Item page | Open in Map Viewer and Scene Viewer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes (cannot share hosted layer with the public) | Yes (cannot share hosted layer with the public) | Yes | ||
Yes | No | No | ||
Manage content status, deletion, and extent | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Manage image request, resampling, compression, and mensuration options | Yes | Yes | No | |
Yes | Yes | No | ||
Yes | No | No |
Understand imagery layers from ArcGIS Enterprise
If you are an ArcGIS Enterprise user, and you have existing image services, you can add these services as dynamic imagery layers in ArcGIS Online. These layers are similar to hosted imagery layers with the following differences:
- The data is not copied to ArcGIS Online; it stays in the data source you registered with ArcGIS Enterprise.
- When you delete the ArcGIS Enterprise imagery layer, the data is not deleted.
- Most of the configuration for ArcGIS Enterprise imagery layers is performed outside of ArcGIS Online.
- Some functionality on the ArcGIS Online website is different for ArcGIS Enterprise imagery layers than for hosted imagery layers.
These differences guard against unwanted changes being made to the data stored in the folders and databases you registered with ArcGIS Enterprise. For example, you cannot use image management tools or modify advanced settings for ArcGIS Enterprise imagery layers in ArcGIS Online.
If you want to work with an ArcGIS Enterprise imagery layer in ArcGIS Online, you can add the layer as a new item. You can also add ArcGIS Enterprise imagery layers directly to Map Viewer.
Resources
Use the following resources to learn more about imagery layers:
- Imagery Layers story
- Use imagery in ArcGIS Online tutorial series
- ArcGIS Living Atlas imagery layers