Lab 2- Part 2: Image Visualization in ArcGIS Pro
Introduction
In this lab we will cover techniques for visualizing and creating maps with remotely sensed data in ArcGIS Pro.
Learning Outcomes
- Download SRTM DEMs in ENVI
- Importing satellite imagery and data into ArcGIS Pro
- Evaluating Image Statistics and histograms
- Visualizing data in ArcGIS Pro
- Creating hillshades and other surface derived layer
- Creating maps from remotely sensed data
About the Data
The primary data for this lab is Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data that has been calibrated and corrected to Surface Reflectance in the previous lab exercise. From this data a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) layer was created which will also be used in this lab exercise.
Accessing SRTM Digital Elevation Data in ENVI
You will begin by copying over your Lab 2 Final data folder from the previous lab.
- You will begin by copying over your Lab 2 Final data folder (from the previous lab) to the desktop.
You will need the masked surface reflectance and NDVI data for this lab.
- Start ENVI 5.6 and open your SR_Masked.dat Landsat image. This file was generated in the previous lab exercise and represents the surface reflectance data with the no data areas masked.
- Now we will download a Digital Elevation Model of the region to use later when creating maps. There is a built in DEM downloader in ENVI that downloads data from the SRTM (see more below).In ENVI, select File > Open World Data > Download Digital Elevation Model from the ENVI menu bar.
About the Tool and Data
Use this tool to download Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) raster Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. SRTM raster DEM data is available from https://srtm.csi.cgiar.org/. The SRTM data available through this download option is global, 90 m spatial resolution. The Download SRTM Raster DEM dialog appears. Follow the steps below to define an area of interest, buffer distance, and output coordinate system for the download.
- Set the Bounding Box as the Surface Reflectance data. This will download a DEM that covers the entire region of the Landsat image. You can also specify other extents manually or using current view.. Set the Output Coordinate System to also be the same as the Surface Reflectance data.
This means the data will automatically be re-projected to whatever coordinate system you select.
- Save the output raster as DEM.dat in your finals folder and click OK.
- After downloading and processing the DEM will appear in the window. It should cover the extent of the Landsat image. Make sure that the file is saved in your finals folder then you may close ENVI.
Visualizing Raster Data in ArcGIS Pro
- Launch ArcGIS Pro and then Go to Settings > Licensing > Configure your licensing options. Check the Spatial Analyst and Image Analyst to make sure they are licensed and enabled. You may want to enable other extensions at this time as well.
- Open a new blank Map template, call the project Lab 2 Map and save it to your final folder. A new project and map template are generated.
- Now we will add data to our map. Go to Map tab > Add Data and located the image SR_masked.dat Landsat satellite image from your lab data from the previous lab and open the image (click once to open the color multispectral imagery, double clicking allows you to open individual band). If prompted say yes to Calculating Statistics and Pyramids for the file.
- There are specific rendering options available for raster files in the Raster Layer tab. Explore the difference Stretch Types and their effect on the imagery. Also try out Resampling Type options to see how they alter the image.
- You can change the band combinations to any false color composite. Right click on the layer in the table of contents and you can select which band should be displayed in which color (Red, Green, Blue).
You can also set and save custom band combinations from the Band Combinations window.
- There are also a few more image enhancement tools that change the look of imagery. You can adjust the Contrast, Brightness and gamma. You can also adjust the rotation to change from the default of North is up when applicable.
Visualizing Spectral Indices
- Now add the NDVI.dat and DEM.dat layers that you created in ENVI to your map.
- Change the symbology of the NDVI layer. Try out different color ramps and
symbologies.
Try changing the symbology to the classified option and experiment with different colors and classification schemes.
- Now we will investigate the statistics of the NDVI dataset. Right click on the file and select properties.
In the Layer Properties window select the Source tab. This contains information about the raster, including the resolution, coordinate system and summary statistics. Click on statistics and note the mean, min, max and standard deviation of the data.
- Now we will view a histogram of the NDVI data. Under the Raster Data tab go to Create Chart > Histogram. The Histogram tool appears. Select the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as the number variable.
- Increase the number of bins, experiment different options. Check the boxes to add the Mean and Standard Deviation to the histogram, then
export the graph bu selecting Export >Export as a Graphic
and saving the image in your finals folder.
Raster Functions
Raster functions are operations that apply processing directly to the pixels of imagery and raster datasets, as opposed to geoprocessing tools, which write out a new raster to disk. Calculations are applied to the pixels of the original data as the raster is displayed, so only pixels that are visible on your screen are processed.
These tools are a great way to quickly preview an operation or to create layers for visualization. If you need to save the file or use it in future analyses the geoprocessing tools are more appropriate.
- Under the Imagery Tab navigate to the Raster Functions button and click on the Raster Functions. This will launch the Raster Functions pane on the side. There are many different functions to choose from.
- Navigate to the Surface functions in the Raster Functions tool pane. Select the Hillshade option.
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- Create a hillshade using the DEM as the input file (you can keep all of the default settings).
- Now create contours using the DEM as the input file. Now you have a few topographic layers that can be used to create maps and better visualize your data.
- Rearrange your layers so that the Landsat image is on top of the hillshade (you may choose to leave the contours on or off, your choice). Adjust the settings using the transparency and other enhancements to create a visually appealing satellite image where the topography is visible.
Creating Maps
- Zoom in on an area of interest to focus on for your map (can be anywhere!). After zooming in go the the Map tab > Bookmarks and click New Bookmark. A bookmark is a navigation shortcut to a position on a map. Name your bookmark.
- Create a copy of your map by going to the Catalog Pane and right clicking on your map and selecting Copy. Paste the map in the Maps folder in the Catalog pane. Repeat the process one more time so you have three maps in your folder. Re-name the maps something like "Landsat", "NDVI" and "Topographic". You will have three separate maps when you are done. Add the maps to your project by double clicking on them in the Catalog.
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- In each of your maps layer the applicable data layer over the hillshade and adjust to visualization settings. One map should have the satellite imagery as the focus, another with the NDVI results and a final map with the elevation (or other topographic features) and hillshade and/or contours. All maps should utilize the hillshade to provide topographic relief.
- Now we will prepare the map layout, we will create one page with all three of our maps. From the Insert tab select → New Layout to add a layout to your project. Select a Landscape Letter 8.5" x 11" paper size and press OK.
- To add a map frame to your layout, click the Map Frame button on the ribbon. From the drop-down, Under the Landsat map select your saved Bookmark as the extent then click on the empty map page. You will now see a rectangle with the default map.
- Repeat this process to add the remaining two map frames. You should have three map frames on your layout, one with satellite imagery, one with NDIV and one with topography. Adjust the size of the frames and paper as you see fit. To remove the service credits remove the basemap layers from your map. You may need to switch between the layout and map views for the map to update.
- Now add the appropriate cartographic element, including Titles, Labels, Scale bars and North arrow. These can all be found under the “Insert” menu in the Layout View. Below is an example, your map should have different years. Also include the data sources and map author.
- When you are happy with your map export it to a PDF or JPG. Click on the Share tab from the main menu and select “Export Layout”. Select PDF or JPG as the type and make sure the resolution is set at 300dpi and save it in your “Finals" folder.
Turn In - Maps and Histogram
A Word document with:
- Maps with three data frames showing (the same extent and scale ) the satellite imagery, NDVI results and a topographic map of your choosing.
- NDVI histogram and statistics