Creating and visualizing a multidimensional mosaic dataset

This workflow shows the steps needed to create a mosaic dataset using multidimensional variables of time and vertical dimensions.

Create a mosaic dataset from netCDF files

While this workflow describes how to add data from a netCDF file into a mosaic dataset, the same concepts can be used to add data from other multidimensional raster types as well.

1. Create a mosaic dataset using the Create Mosaic Dataset geoprocessing tool.
2. Add data using the Add Rasters to Mosaic Dataset geoprocessing tool.
3. Choose the netCDF raster type.
4. Specify the input file or input files, or workspace that contains the files.
5. Open the Raster Type Properties page.
6. In the Variable tab, check the variable name or variable names you want to add.
   1. Optionally, remove the variables you don’t need.

      If you don’t set any variables, all the variables are added.

      The system standardizes the time and vertical dimension values whenever possible. If you want the original dimension values added to the mosaic dataset in addition to the standardized values, check the Copy the original dimension values check box.

   2. You can also add a variable by clicking the Add button and typing in the variable name.
7. Click OK to run the tool to add data.
8. The statistics of the mosaic dataset calculate based on the mosaicked pixels. Optionally, if you want to calculate statistics for each item, and have a total minimum and maximum values of all items, then perform calculate statistics using the Build Pyramids and Statistics geoprocessing tool.
   1. Specify the mosaic dataset you just created as your input.
   2. Check the Build Pyramids option.
   3. Expend the Statistics Options and check the Estimate mosaic dataset statistics check box.
   4. Click OK to run the tool.

Visualize the multidimension mosaic dataset

Now you can visualize the multidimensional mosaic dataset with the time slider. For more information on using the time slider, see Using the time slider.

1. Add the newly created multidimensional mosaic dataset into ArcMap.
2. Open the Properties window and click the Vertical Dimension tab.
3. Choose the vertical level you want to visualize.
4. Click the Time tab.
5. Set the time information for the layer.
6. Click OK to exit the Properties window.
7. Animate using the Time Slider.

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