Migrating raster columns to the ST_Raster type using the Migrate Storage geoprocessing tool

If you want to access raster data using Structured Query Language (SQL), create your raster data using an ST_Raster type. For existing raster data, you can run the Migrate Storage geoprocessing tool to change the raster storage type in a dataset from a binary storage type to the ST_Raster type.

Be sure the ST_Raster type has been installed and enabled in the geodatabase before you attempt to migrate your raster data.

Steps:

1. You must have the RASTER_STORAGE parameter set to ST_Raster in one of your configuration keywords. Do one of the following:
   • Add the RASTER_STORAGE parameter to the DEFAULTS configuration keyword in the DBTUNE table and set the value of the RASTER_STORAGE parameter to ST_RASTER. See Altering the contents of the DBTUNE table for instructions.
   • Create a custom configuration keyword that contains, at a minimum, the RASTER_STORAGE parameter set to ST_RASTER and a UI_TEXT parameter. See Custom configuration keywords for more information on creating your own keyword and Making configuration keywords available in ArcGIS for more information on the UI_TEXT parameter.
2. Create a backup of the data to be migrated.

   Creating a backup copy of the data you migrate ensures that, if migration fails for any reason, you still have your original data.

3. Start ArcMap by clicking Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > ArcMap 10.2.1.
4. Click the Search button on the ArcMap Main menu.
5. Click Tools in the Search window.
6. Type Migrate Storage in the text box.
7. Click the Search button.
8. Click the Migrate Storage link.

   This opens the Migrate Storage geoprocessing tool.

9. See Migrate Storage for instructions on using this tool.