Raster functions provide a quick and powerful way to analyze or process your imagery and remote sensing data in ArcGIS.
Traditional image analysis methods, where each processing step is applied to an image to produce a new dataset, can require significant computing power, take a long time to process, and produce unnecessary intermediate datasets that required additional storage space and data management. Additionally, optimizing parameters and processing workflows often requires re-running the entire processing sequence.
For many image analysis workflows, the raster functions in ArcGIS offer a valuable alternative. Raster functions are operations that apply processing directly to the pixels of imagery and raster datasets (as opposed to geoprocessing tools, which write out a new raster to disk).
Since no intermediate datasets are created, processes can be applied quickly, as opposed to the time it would take to create a processed file on disk. As you zoom and pan around, the calculations are performed and rendered on the fly. The functions are only applied to the display extent (the area you are currently viewing) and at the current display resolution, so only pixels that are visible on your screen are processed. This means you can complete your analyses rapidly, without having to wait for long processing times. No new datasets are created, reducing the need for storage space and data management.
If you wish to save the product of a raster function analysis, you can also save those outputs as their own dataset. Raster functions can be applied locally or on the server. They can be chained together to create new, customized functions. You can use any of the hundreds of out-of-the-box ArcGIS raster functions, or create your own using Python. Finally, when published as part of an image service, your custom processing can be shared with end users inside and outside your organization.
Explore the following resources to learn more about using raster functions for image analysis in ArcGIS. (Not sure where to start? Look for the star by Esri's most helpful resources.)
Note:
Raster functions can be run using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Image Server, or your ArcGIS Enterprise portal. Additional raster functions are available with ArcGIS Image Analyst and ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. You can also create your own raster functions using ArcPy.Imagery Workflows resources
Community-supported tools and best practices for working with and automating imagery and remote sensing workflows:
- Follow this tutorial to get started working with raster functions in ArcGIS Pro.
- Follow this tutorial to see how to work with image services and processing templates in ArcGIS Pro.
ArcGIS Help
Reference material for ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise:
- Read an overview of raster functions in ArcGIS Pro.
- Read more about creating custom raster functions in ArcGIS Pro.
- Consult a comprehensive list of the raster functions available in ArcGIS Pro.
- Learn more about using the raster function pane.
- Learn more about using the raster function batch editor.
- Learn more about running raster analysis using ArcGIS Enterprise.
ArcGIS blogs, articles, story maps, and technical papers
Review the following supplemental guidance about concepts, software functionality, and workflows:
- See how you can use raster functions to model mountain lion habitats.
- Read about getting started with Python raster functions on GitHub.
Videos
Review the following Esri-produced videos that clarify and demonstrate concepts, software functionality, and workflows:
- Watch a technical workshop on raster analysis using functions in ArcGIS Enterprise. (1 hour)
- See how to get started applying function chains from the ArcGIS Spectral Index Library. (4 mins)
Training and tutorials
Review the following guided lessons and tutorials based on real-world problems and key ArcGIS skills:
- Try using raster functions to assess landslide susceptibility.
- Take this web course to learn how to process raster data using ArcGIS Pro.
ArcGIS Solutions
Review the following industry-specific configurations for ArcGIS:
- Leverage the Image Change Detection solution (ArcGIS Solutions for Defense) to detect image change using raster functions.
Developer resources
Review the following resources and support for automating and customizing workflows:
- Get resources from the Python raster functions GitHub repo.
- Review this Python notebook to tour the world with Landsat imagery and raster functions.
- Find sample code for working with renderingRule in the ArcGIS API for JavaScript.
- Learn about accessing raster function information for image services using the ArcGIS REST API.
- Learn about applying raster functions to an image service layer using the ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET.
Technical support
Review the following troubleshooting resources from Esri's tech support team:
- Create and apply a raster function template (RFT) to an image service.
- Apply a raster function template (RFT) to symbolize classified data in a mosaic dataset or image service.
- See how to apply the Contour function to create contour lines.
Esri Community
Use the online Esri community to connect, collaborate, and share experiences:
- See what the imagery community is saying about raster functions.
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