ArcMap

Resampling Method (Environment setting)

Tools that honor the Resample environment interpolate pixel values while transforming your raster dataset. This is used when the input and output do not line up exactly, when the pixel size changes, when the data is shifted, or a combination of these.

Usage notes

  • The nearest neighbor option should be used for categorical data, since no new values are created.
  • The bilinear and cubic options should not be used with categorical data, but they produce better-looking outputs for continuous data.

Dialog syntax

  • Resampling method—Choose which resampling method to use when creating the output.
    • Nearest—Performs a nearest neighbor assignment and is the fastest of the interpolation methods. It is used primarily for discrete data, such as a land-use classification, since it will not change the values of the cells. The maximum spatial error will be one-half the cell size.
    • Bilinear—Performs a bilinear interpolation and determines the new value of a cell based on a weighted distance average of the four nearest input cell centers. It is useful for continuous data and will cause some smoothing of the data.
    • Cubic—Performs a cubic convolution and determines the new value of a cell based on fitting a smooth curve through the 16 nearest input cell centers. It is appropriate for continuous data, although it may result in the output raster containing values outside the range of the input raster. It is geometrically less distorted than the raster achieved by running the nearest neighbor resampling algorithm. The disadvantage of the Cubic option is that it requires more processing time. In some cases, it can result in output cell values outside the range of input cell values. If this is unacceptable, use Bilinear instead.

Scripting syntax

arcpy.env.resamplingMethod = "interpolation_type"

ParametersExplanation

interpolation_type (Optional)

The following resampling techniques are used:

  • NEAREST—Uses the value of the closest cell to assign a value to the output cell when resampling. This is the default.
  • BILINEAR—Determines the new value of a cell based on a weighted distance average of the four nearest input cell centers.
  • CUBIC—Determines the new value of a cell based on fitting a smooth curve through the 16 nearest input cell centers.
resamplingMethod syntax

Script example

import arcpy

# Set the resampling method environment to bilinear interpolation
arcpy.env.resamplingMethod = "BILINEAR"

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