Applying a transformation to a raster dataset

A raster can use a transformation without being permanently transformed.

If the raster is file based, this creates or updates a file with the same name as the raster dataset and an .aux.xml file extension, for example, raster_filename.img.aux.xml. However, if the raster is in a geodatabase, it writes the information internally.

If the file-based raster dataset is in a read-only directory, the .aux.xml file is written to the proxy location.

Learn about raster proxy files and their location

Steps:

1. In ArcMap, set up the transformation for a raster dataset with the Georeferencing toolbar.
2. Click Georeferencing on the Georeferencing toolbar and click Update Georeferencing.

   This applies the transformation to the raster dataset so that when you open it again, it uses the same transformation you just applied.

Tip:

To apply the transformation, click Georeferencing on the Georeferencing toolbar and click Rectify, or right-click the raster dataset in the table of contents, point to Data, click Export Data, then choose to use the spatial reference of the data frame.