Raster Analysis and Topography

Optional module · ArcGIS Pro Fundamentals · 4 lectures (1 h 22 min) · 14 lab walk-throughs (2 h 31 min)

Overview

Here we will learn about some of the tools specifically designed for Raster analysis, and several just for analyzing the shape of the landscape. We'll also look at specific issues that can happen when working with neighborhood analysis. We'll also see how to use a series of tools to calculate the Topographic Position Index of the landscape. Finally, we have several optional lab exercises showing how to calculate two indexes that are often used in remote sensing: NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), and how to implement the Swiss Method modifications to hillshades to make them more visually interesting.

All the lab exercises are presented in the document Raster Analysis & Topography: Lecture Notes and Lab Exercises. Remember, the lab exercises are where you really learn the material, so take advantage of them! I'm here and excited to answer any questions you have, or help out if you get stuck on anything.

Lectures and lab videos

Lecture videos Raster and Surface Analysis Lecture Videos

1 hr, 22 min

Lab exercise videos Raster and Surface Analysis Lab Exercise Videos

Video walk-throughs of all 14 lab exercises

8 Primary Labs: 1 hr, 25 min

6 Optional Labs: 1 hr, 6 min

If interested, click here to download geodatabase containing tools that calculate several items discussed in these lab exercises, including TPI, NDVI, NDWI and several Swiss Method hillshade variations.

Slides, notes and downloads

Slides View or download Powerpoint Slides

This is just the original Powerpoint file, in case you want to review it. The document Raster and Surface Analysis: Lecture Notes and Lab Exercises has comments and notes that describe each slide.

Lecture notes and lab exercises View or download Raster and Surface Analysis: Lecture Notes and Lab Exercises

Here is a written discussion that goes with the lecture videos, and step-by-step instructions on how to do the lab exercises. You need to download this one to do the lab exercises!

Optional reading Optional Reading: Download two short papers on transforming Aspect

Beers, T. W., P. E. Dress, and L. C. Wensel. 1966. Notes and Observations: Aspect Transformation in Site Productivity Research. Journal of Forestry 64:691–692.

Trimble, G. R., and S. Weitzman. 1956. Site Index Studies of Upland Oaks in the Northern Appalachians. Forest Science 2:162–173.