Projecting and Changing the Cell Size on Multidimensional Datasets

Question

I am currently working on a project to create crop suitability maps using projected future climate data in the form of a NetCDF file.

The NetCDF (.CDF) files are for Temperature and Precipitation and are multidimensional with time slots and different variables like Max and Min. I also have the option of using a Cloud Raster File (.CRF) of the same dataset.

The other variables we consider include drainage class, soil texture, and soil depth, among others. The resulting layers we want should be at a 30 x 30 meter pixel size with a specific coordinate system. I can reproject and change the cell size just fine on the soil layers, however doing that with the multidimensional layers is proven to be difficult. I have to export each layer one-on-one to a .TIFF file then reproject them. This is very time consuming.  Is there anyway I could possibly reproject and change the cell size for a .CRF or .CDF file without exporting them? I am currently using ArcGIS Desktop mainly for my project but I have access to Pro. I tried it on Pro and still unfortunately had no luck.  I can't seem to find the solution anywhere. I would greatly  appreciate any leads!

RonaldHaug · Answer

Hi HananAli!

I did another search for a solution to your problem and found one for changing the NetCDF file coordinate system at: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/mapping/layer-properties/voxel-layer-freqently-asked-questions.htm

My NetCDF file has the wrong coordinate system. What should I do?

Place a projection file (.prj) with the same name as the NetCDF file in the same directory to override the coordinate system of the NetCDF file. See Save a coordinate system as a projection file to learn how to create a projection file.

Here's another page on Fundamentals of netCDF data storage: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/data/imagery/fundamentals-of-netcdf.htm . There is a section on Conventions you will want to take a look at.

Hopefully the above info will reduce at least one step in your workflow.

Since your workflow has a number of steps, have you considered using Model Builder to automate the process? It takes a little effort to get your model up and running, but once you do, it can be a thing of beauty.

HananAli · Answer

Thank you for your reply!

Is there anyway to hopefully change the projection of the NetCDF directly? I am attempting to find the most efficient way to work with the NetCDF layer directly for suitability analysis.

My process is very slow, I have to export each time frame as a raster layer, change the projection, then change the cell size. This has proven to be very time consuming. I need it to work in the weighted overlay tool, and it needs to match my other layers cell size and projection.

Thank you!

RonaldHaug · Answer

Hi HananAli!

Dealing with different kinds of data files can be challenging for people and machines.

Here's a help page with some useful information for processing netCDF files: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/data/multidimensional/a-quick-tour-of-netcdf-data.htm

This will help you on your journey. Keep us posted!