Defining or modifying a raster's coordinate system

A coordinate system and associated projection system are used to place the raster dataset in the correct location in the earth's sphere. You can modify or define a coordinate system for raster datasets. This is mainly used when there is no coordinate system, or an incorrect coordinate system is defined.

Note:

This does not reproject the data from one coordinate system to another. To reproject data, use the Project Raster tool.

1. In ArcCatalog or the Catalog window, right-click the raster whose coordinate system you want to define and click Properties.
2. Scroll down to the Spatial Reference section, and click Edit.
3. On the Spatial Reference Properties dialog box, do either of the following:
   • Click Select and choose a predefined coordinate system. Browse to the coordinate system folder, click the one that is required for your raster dataset, and click Add. You may need to open several folders before you find your correct projection.
   • Click Import and choose the data source whose coordinate system parameters you want to copy.
   • Click New, click Geographic or Projected, and define a new, custom coordinate system.
4. Click OK on the Spatial Reference Properties dialog box.
5. Click OK on the Raster Dataset Properties dialog box.