Create an ortho mapping workspace for satellite imagery

Available with Advanced license.

ArcGIS Pro can process satellite images from many sensor platforms, as long as the image orientation is described by a rational polynomial coefficients (RPC) model. This model is typically imbedded in the image file or included as a separate metadata file. For the list of satellite images that are supported by the ortho mapping workspace, see Satellite sensor raster types.

For information on how to orthorectify a single satellite image, see Orthorectify a single satellite scene.

To create an ortho mapping workspace for satellite images, choose the satellite workspace type and define the input and spatial reference properly. Elevation data is required when creating an ortho mapping workspace from satellite imagery. The system provides the default world elevation service. The spatial reference and horizontal coordinates of the workspace determine the coordinate system of the output ortho mapping products. The vertical coordinate system of the workspace, if defined, can be EGM96 or WGS84 Ellipsoidal.

Workflow data requirements

To create a workspace for satellite imagery, you'll need the following data:

• Rational polynomial coefficients (RPC)—This is typically imbedded in the image file or included as a separate metadata file.
• DEM—The input elevation data is used to orthorectify the imagery during block adjustment. The global DEM is used by default, but it is recommended that you use a local DEM for your project area.

Create an ortho mapping workspace

You can create a satellite imagery workspace for your project using the workflow wizard.

1. On the Imagery tab, click New Workspace.
2. On the Workspace Configuration page, type a name for your workspace.
3. Use the Workspace Type drop-down arrow to choose Satellite.
4. Click Next.
5. On the Image Collection page, choose the Sensor Type for the satellite data you are adding.
6. For the Image Collection parameter, browse to the folder that contains your satellite imagery.
7. Click the Spatial Reference button if you want to change the spatial reference.
8. Optionally, click the Data Loader Options tab to further refine your output satellite workspace.
   1. Use the Browse button to choose a DEM. This DEM will be used to orthorectify the image collection during block adjustment. You can also specify a Z Factor value and a Z Offset value. Check the box to apply a geoid correction.

      Most elevation data uses orthometric heights, so you will need to apply a geoid correction. If the units and base of the elevation are different from the satellite imagery, you'll need to set a Z Factor value and a Z Offset value, respectively.

   2. The File Filter shows you which file extensions will be added to the workspace. If you need to add or remove a file extension, you can do so in the text box provided.
   3. The Processing Template determines which type of data you want to process, such as single-band, multiple-band, or pan-sharpened images. The available templates depend on the Sensor Type that was chosen. Use the drop-down arrow to choose the appropriate Processing Template for your workspace.
   4. Check the Estimate Statistics check box to estimate the statistics for your output workspace.

      You need to calculate the statistics if you want to use a contrast stretch to display your imagery.

   5. Edit the Band Combination parameters if you want to reorder the band combination from the default order.
   6. Choose either of the Pre-processing options to Calculate Statistics or Build Pyramids on your data before you create your workspace.
9. Click Finish to create the workspace.

When the ortho mapping workspace is created, the image collection will be loaded in the workspace and displayed on the map. You are now ready to perform adjustments and generate ortho products.