How do I creat an image catalog dbf file

DustinWhisel · ‎06-14-2012

I have learning Arc via trial and error, but I'm trying to build an image catalog dbf and am stuck. The mapping software that my 911 center uses (InterActGIS) allows me to create an Image Catalog layer and it's looking for a dbf file.....I'm trying to do this because the SID file we have is low resolution and I want to piece together the high res individual Pictometry files that I have. I've been searching the Internet for help but I can't seem to find exactly how to set up this file. Can anyone help me out? Whats the file structure? Do the individual images then have to reside in the same folder as the dbf file? Any input would be appreciated.

JeffreySwain · ‎06-15-2012

I would recommend creating an unmanaged raster catalog or a mosaic dataset. The Image Catalog format is not used much at all anymore. The mosaic dataset can accomplish what you want about keeping the higher resolution on top of of the other datasets. Both of the recommended formats will allow you to keep the imagery in native form and then display as one continuous dataset in ArcMap. I am not sure what to do about your other software, but that format is no longer used.

DustinWhisel · ‎06-15-2012

Thanks for the response. I guess there's really nothing to do then. My GIS software only reads MrSID images or gives the option to read an ImageCatalog from a dbf file. I was hoping there was an option to piece together at least some of the HighRes images that I have since I don't have any way to create a SID in house....way too expensive.

JasonLyon · ‎02-01-2013

Thanks for the response. I guess there's really nothing to do then. My GIS software only reads MrSID images or gives the option to read an ImageCatalog from a dbf file. I was hoping there was an option to piece together at least some of the HighRes images that I have since I don't have any way to create a SID in house....way too expensive.

Create a Mosaic Dataset, once created rt click and export path and see if that works, trying right now as well.

Also if using Pictometry is it even possible to mosaic outside of their program?

T__WayneWhitley · ‎02-01-2013

You can create a table that contains the fields:
IMAGE
XMIN
YMIN
XMAX
YMAX

...where IMAGE is text type (the raster dataset pathname), and the others are typically double type (raster dataset extent properties). Don't know what version ArcGIS you have or if you have Python installed, but this may help:

http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/751...mxd?p=265602#6

...or, if you want the version Rosie Bell modified for arcpy (and operates based on the current mxd TOC), see the next post:
http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/751...mxd?p=265602#7

This builds a grid - exporting the resulting attribute table to a standalone table, a dbf in your case, will then be the needed table that will be recognized as an 'image catalog'. Note that this is 'legacy support' I think still effective at 10.1.

Enjoy,
Wayne

T__WayneWhitley · ‎02-04-2013

Someone else asked about this, so I made some adjustments -- see the thread below:

http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/76272-Raster-to-Polygon-problem#13

This would actually give you a grid; however, the image catalog dbf field formatting is there - simply export the attribute table to a different name (make sure you use the dbf extension). When the dbf is loaded back in (a separate load from the export process) then it is recognized as an image catalog, mind you, a 'legacy' one which means nothing more than it is still supported but is 'unmanaged' and not really the 'recommended' approach anymore. This was mentioned earlier -- still it works in a pinch, nice to know.

Enjoy,
Wayne