Register Raster (Data Management)

License Level:BasicStandardAdvanced

Summary

Performs a geographic transformation to an existing raster dataset by automatically registering it to a reference image. This is similar to the Auto Register button on the Georeferencing tools.

In order to automatically register the image, the input raster and the reference raster must be in a relatively close geographic area. You may need to create a link file with a few links in order to get your input raster into the same map space. A link table can be created using the Georeferencing toolbar.

Usage

Syntax

RegisterRaster_management (in_raster, register_mode, {reference_raster}, {input_link_file}, {transformation_type}, {output_cpt_link_file})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_raster

The input raster dataset.

After the tool runs, the input raster will have its geographic transformation updated.

You are also able to register an item within a mosaic dataset.

Raster Dataset; Raster Layer
register_mode

Choose the registration mode. You can either register the raster with a transformation, or you can reset the transformation.

  • REGISTERThe tool will apply a geometric transformation on the input raster. This is the default.
  • RESET The tool will remove the geometric transformation previously added by this tool.
  • CREATE_LINKSThe tool will create a link file with automatically generated links.
String
reference_raster
(Optional)

Choose the reference raster to which the input will be matched.

Raster Layer
input_link_file
(Optional)

The link file that will be used to place the input raster in the same map space as the reference raster.

Each row in the input link file can be one of the following set of values, each delimited by a TAB:

  • <Optional ID> <From X> <From Y> <To X> <To Y>
  • <From X> <From Y> <To X> <To Y> <Residual X> <Residual Y> <Residual>

Text File
transformation_type
(Optional)

The geometric transformation type.

  • POLYORDER0A zero-order polynomial is used to shift your data. This is commonly used when your data is already georeferenced, but a small shift will better line up your data. Only one link is required to perform a zero-order polynomial shift.
  • POLYORDER1A first-order polynomial (affine) fits a flat plane to the input points. This is the default.
  • POLYORDER2A second-order polynomial fits a somewhat more complicated surface to the input points.
  • POLYORDER3A third-order polynomial fits a more complicated surface to the input points.
  • ADJUSTA transformation that optimizes for both global and local accuracy. It accomplishes this by first performing a polynomial transformation, then adjusting the control points locally, to better match the target control points, using a triangulated irregular network (TIN) interpolation technique.
  • SPLINEA transformation that exactly transforms the source control points to the target control points. This means that the control points will be accurate, but the raster pixels that are between the control points are not.
  • PROJECTIVEA transformation that can warp lines so they remain straight. In doing so, lines that were once parallel may no longer remain parallel. The projective transformation is especially useful for oblique imagery, scanned maps, and for some imagery products.
String
output_cpt_link_file
(Optional)

The output link file that contains the registration links created by this tool. The output link table can be used in the Warp From File tool.

Each row in the output link file has the following values, each delimited by a TAB:

  • <From X> <From Y> <To X> <To Y> <Residual X> <Residual Y> <Residual>

Text File

Code Sample

RegisterRaster example 1 (Python window)

This is a Python sample for the RegisterRaster tool.

import arcpy
arcpy.RegisterRaster_management(
     "\\cpu\data\nonref.tif", "REGISTER", "\\cpu\data\yesref.tif",
     "\\cpu\data\links.txt", "POLYORDER1", "#")
RegisterRaster example 2 (stand-alone script)

This is a Python script sample for the RegisterRaster tool.

# Register raster using only control points

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/Workspace"
    
rdname = "irs_ps.img"
mode = "REGISTER"
refrd = ""
linkfile = "C:/Workspace/irs_controls_13.txt"
order = "POLYORDER2"
    
arcpy.RegisterRaster_management(
     rdname, mode, refrd, linkfile, order)

Environments

This tool does not use any geoprocessing environments

Related Topics

Licensing Information

ArcGIS for Desktop Basic: Yes
ArcGIS for Desktop Standard: Yes
ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced: Yes
11/18/2013