Processing image and raster data can be as basic as georeferencing the data and improving or altering the appearance. It can be more advanced, such as applying image processing algorithms to distinguish specific information or features such as vegetative indexes, image fusion, or edge detection; or performing analytical functions, such as neighborhood, proximity, and watershed analysis.
Processing can be performed to create another raster dataset, or it can be performed on-the-fly using:
- A raster layer file (e.g., to define stretching or pan sharpening)
- Functions within a mosaic dataset
Using the Image Analysis Window or the mosaic dataset you can apply functions to your image and raster data to perform this processing on-the-fly. Or you can use the geoprocessing tools and models to generate secondary products from your data.
ArcGIS has many extensions for working with image and raster data; these include:
- ArcGIS Spatial Analyst—provides powerful geoprocessing tools to perform raster-based modeling and analysis
- ArcGIS 3D Analyst—allows you to work with rasters as surfaces and other 3D data representations in ArcGIS
- ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst—contains advanced statistical tools for surface generation and for analyzing and mapping continuous datasets
- ArcScan for ArcGIS—performs raster-to-vector conversion tasks on scanned documents, including raster editing, raster snapping, manual raster tracing, and batch vectorization