Drawing a continuous raster dataset using advanced labeling

When using the stretched renderer, you can use advanced labeling to better convey the data that you are displaying. Advanced labeling gives you options to set your own labels and create your own color ramps. You can set your own labels so that users can see where particular values are within a color ramp. Once your values have been set, you can choose an existing color ramp, or you can create your own.

There are three ways you can set your own labels: number of intervals, size of intervals, and customized values. Setting the number of intervals allows you to specify the number of class breaks you want to have in your labeling. Setting the interval size allows you to determine the equal interval class breaks within your labeling. Setting custom intervals allows you to specify which values you want labeled on your color ramp.

Once you have chosen the number of intervals, or size of intervals, click the Generate button to automatically generate the values. Your labels are the same number as your pixel value; this can be kept the same, or it can be changed. You can also change the Value field to set up your customized labels.

Note:

Advanced labeling options are only available with the stretched renderer by clicking the Labeling button. The number of intervals (or class breaks) must be between 2 and 24.

Once you have set up your labels, choose the color ramp to use. If you click the color ramp, on the right side of the dialog box, you can simply choose an existing color ramp. To create your own color ramp, you can click each symbol (color patch) and edit it to the color for each value. As you edit each symbol, the color ramp automatically interpolates the colors that are in between two of the color patches.

Steps:

1. In the table of contents, right-click the raster layer that you want to display across a color ramp and click Properties.
2. Click the Symbology tab.
3. Click Stretched.
4. Optionally, if your raster dataset has multiple bands, choose the band you want to stretch.
5. Click the Labeling button to open the Advanced Labeling dialog box.
6. Choose either the Number of Intervals or the Interval Size radio button.
   • Number of Intervals—Choose this option to label the color ramp based on a desired number of interval breaks. The minimum value is 2, therefore, three values appear in your color ramp: the minimum value and two additional class breaks.
   • Interval Size—Choose this option to label the color ramp based on a desired equal interval break.
7. Type the appropriate number or size in the text box.
8. Click the Generate button to automatically calculate the class breaks.
9. Optionally, edit the values and labels for your custom class breaks.

   You can edit the values (except for the highest and lowest values), label names, and the color symbol. All the values and color in between each break are interpolated.

10. Choose the appropriate color ramp.
    • Choose an existing color ramp by clicking the color ramp on the right side of the window. The Select Color Ramp dialog box opens to allow you to select a different color ramp.
    • Double-click the color symbol box and choose a color for that location in the color ramp. The new color is reflected in the color ramp.

    Optionally, right-click the color ramp to toggle between graphic view and text, open the properties to create or remove a color ramp, or save the color ramp.

11. Click OK to close the Advanced Labeling dialog box.
12. Click OK to apply the symbology to your raster layer.