How do you perform raster analysis in ArcGIS Pro for terrain and resource mapping?

Raster analysis is the process of analyzing spatial information contained in grid datasets such as soils, land cover, elevation, and more. In ArcGIS Pro, performing raster analysis for terrain and resource mapping involves using the Spatial Analyst extension to process digital elevation models and other raster datasets, applying surface analysis tools to derive slope, aspect, and hillshade, and combining multiple data layers to identify optimal locations for energy projects.

Key Points

- Raster data consists of a matrix of cells organized into rows and columns where each cell contains a value representing information, such as temperature

- The Spatial Analyst toolbox provides a set of spatial analysis and modeling tools for raster (cell-based) and feature (vector) data

- Terrain analysis is the process of using digital elevation data (DEM) to analyze various aspects of a landscape's topography

- Raster functions are operations applied on the fly directly to the pixels of imagery and raster datasets, with only the pixels in the current view being processed

• Energy companies use raster analysis to evaluate site suitability for renewable energy projects by analyzing terrain, solar radiation, and environmental constraints

Understanding Raster Analysis in ArcGIS Pro

Data stored in a raster format represents real-world phenomena: Thematic data (also known as discrete) represents features such as land-use or soils data, while continuous data represents phenomena such as temperature, elevation, or spectral data such as satellite images and aerial photographs. This grid-based structure makes raster data particularly valuable for terrain analysis and resource mapping applications.

A digital elevation model (DEM) is a 3D computer graphics representation of elevation data to represent terrain, and DEMs are used often in geographic information systems (GIS), and are the most common basis for digitally produced relief maps.

Each cell in the grid corresponds to a specific elevation value, enabling accurate terrain mapping and analysis, and DEMs are widely used in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and navigation applications to model landscapes, assess elevation changes, and support 3D spatial analysis.

ArcGIS Spatial Analyst is an extension for ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise that thousands of organizations use every day, and for more than a decade, ArcGIS Spatial Analyst has been providing advanced spatial modeling and analysis tools. The extension enables professionals to perform complex terrain evaluations that inform critical decisions in energy infrastructure planning, environmental management, and resource development.

How It Works

Performing raster analysis in ArcGIS Pro follows a structured workflow that transforms raw elevation data into actionable insights:

1. Data Acquisition and Preparation: Data at a range of resolutions comes from a variety of providers, including Airbus Defence and Space, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Load your DEM or other raster datasets into ArcGIS Pro and ensure proper coordinate systems and spatial references are defined.

2. Accessing Analysis Tools: On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools, the Geoprocessing pane appears, and click the Toolboxes tab and locate Spatial Analyst Tools.

Click either the Analysis or Imagery tab and click the Raster Functions icon, expand the Surface category and click the Slope function, and select Terrain from the DEM drop-down menu and click Create new layer.

3. Surface Analysis: Slope analysis quantifies the steepness or incline of the terrain, while aspect analysis identifies the direction a slope faces, and together, these analyses offer insights into the physical characteristics of the landscape, aiding in decision-making across various fields.

The Hillshade tool obtains the hypothetical illumination of a surface by determining illumination values for each cell in a raster by setting a position for a hypothetical light source and calculating the illumination values of each cell in relation to neighboring cells.

4. Multi-Criteria Analysis: A suitability analysis evaluates the potential of an area for a certain activity or purpose, which could include spatial regression models or other factors such as climate, soil type, and infrastructure. Combine multiple raster layers using map algebra and the Raster Calculator to identify areas meeting specific criteria for energy development.

5. Results Interpretation: The Suitability Modeler is a dynamic, exploratory environment of interacting panes, plots, and maps that help you create a better suitability model. Visualize and export results as maps, reports, or additional datasets for stakeholder communication and decision-making.

Why It Matters

Raster analysis in ArcGIS Pro has become essential for energy sector planning and development. The development of renewable energy sources—such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and geothermal energy facilities—and the infrastructure to support them are inherently spatial in nature, and current trends in renewable energy projects are using geospatial analysis to help leaders optimize energy transmission systems.

Solar site selection analyzes solar irradiance, slope, shading, and land use to pinpoint high-yield locations, while wind farm planning maps wind patterns alongside wildlife migratory paths and terrain features to optimize turbine placement. The ability to process large elevation datasets and derive terrain characteristics enables energy companies to evaluate hundreds of potential sites efficiently, reducing development timelines and minimizing environmental impacts. This spatial intelligence supports informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, from initial feasibility studies through construction planning and operational management.

Related Terms

• Digital Elevation Model (DEM): Three-dimensional models of the "bare earth" surface, showing elevation and topography without trees, buildings, or other objects, and are important in many different applications, including predicting wildfire behavior, planning for ecological conservation, and creating realistic models of water flow and flood risk.

• Slope: A critical aspect of terrain analysis that measures the steepness or incline of the land's surface, calculated as the rate of change in elevation over a specified distance, typically expressed in degrees or as percentage.

• Aspect: The compass direction that the slope of the terrain faces, where an aspect of 0 means that the slope is North-facing, 90 East-facing, 180 South-facing, and 270 West-facing.

• Map Algebra: A set of mathematical operations used to analyze raster data, including local, focal, zonal, and global operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between raster and vector data in GIS?

Raster data is like a photograph made up of pixels, with each pixel storing specific information such as color, temperature, or elevation, making it ideal for continuous data, while vector data is like a drawing where points, lines, and polygons are used to represent features, perfect for mapping discrete elements like roads and property boundaries.

Do I need a special license to perform raster analysis in ArcGIS Pro?

For more than a decade, ArcGIS Spatial Analyst has been providing advanced spatial modeling and analysis tools, and ArcGIS Spatial Analyst is an extension for ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise. The Spatial Analyst extension is required for most advanced raster analysis operations, though basic raster visualization and some raster functions are available in the standard ArcGIS Pro license.

How do energy companies use raster analysis for site selection?

GIS transforms raw data into actionable insights, from identifying the best locations for solar and wind farms to optimizing resources across multiple projects, and GIS analyzes factors like solar radiation, wind speeds, and land use to pinpoint ideal locations for renewable energy projects. Companies evaluate terrain characteristics, environmental constraints, and proximity to transmission infrastructure to identify optimal development sites.

What file formats are commonly used for raster data?

Digital Elevation Models come in several different file formats, such as GeoTIFF, IMG, Gridfloat (.flt), and ArcGRID, however, the GeoTIFF file format is most commonly used throughout the geospatial community worldwide because of its interoperability among computer systems and many commercial GIS and spatial data analysis software products.

Last updated: May 19, 2026. For the latest energy news and analysis, visit stakeandpaper.com.