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 can be EGM96 or WGS84, or a supported local elevation reference system.

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.

  Note:

  • If you operate in an environment without easy access to the internet, have low bandwidth, or want to use a higher-quality global DEM, you can also download an enhanced Global DTM of the Earth for use in your ortho mapping projects.
  • The local DEM or DEM layer used must have EGM96 or WGS84 Vertical Coordinate System (VCS). Use the Project Raster GP tool to reproject your DEM if it has a VCS that is different from that recommended.

• The associated satellite images.

Create an ortho mapping workspace

You can create a satellite imagery workspace for your project using the ortho mapping workspace creation wizard.

1. On the Imagery tab, click New Workspace.

   This opens the New Ortho Mapping Workspace wizard.

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 Folder Containing Images parameter, browse to the folder that contains your satellite imagery by clicking the folder button.

   If your project is covered with data captured by two or more satellite sensors, click the Add Sensor button to load additional sensor type templates as required. The additional sensor types added must cover the same project area and use the same spatial referencing system and processing template.

   You can remove sensor templates by hovering your pointer over the template title to reveal the Remove button . Click the Remove button to delete the template.

7. The supported Workspace Spatial Reference information will be auto-populated. If the system is unable to auto-determine the appropriate spatial referencing, manual entry of this information is also supported. Manually entering the spatial referencing information for the workspace can be done by doing the following:
8. Click the Spatial Reference button if you want to change the spatial reference.
   1. Under Spatial Reference, click the Browse button and set the Current XY and Current Z coordinates for the project.

   When processing satellite imagery using Ortho mapping, a local planimetric (XY) coordinate system is supported. The Vertical Coordinate System needs to be EGM96 (WKID 5773) or WGS84 (WKID 115700).

9. Click Next to advance to the Data Loader Options page.
10. On the Data Loader Options page, under Elevation Source, choose DEM.
    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.
    2. Under Geoid Correction, if your local DEM has ellipsoidal height, select None from the drop-down list. If your DEM has orthometric height, select EGM96.

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

    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.

       If the dataset being processed is already pansharpened, choose the Multispectral processing template. Select the Pansharpened template only when you have both panchromatic and multispectral imagery.

    4. Expand the Advanced Options section to expose additional settings.
    5. Check the Estimate Statistics check box to estimate the statistics for your output workspace.

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

    6. Edit the Band Combination parameters if you want to reorder the band combination from the default order.
    7. Choose either of the Pre-processing options to Calculate Statistics or Build Pyramids on your data before you create your workspace.
11. 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.