Unlike with HDF files, NetCDF data cannot be added using the "Add Data" button.

There are three ways to read in NetCDF files in ArcGIS:

1. As a point feature layer: This tool is primarily used for data points with varying space
2. As a raster layer: If data points are equally spaced, like in level 3 gridded data, you can use the As a Raster Layer tool
3. As a table view

Process

• For each type, use the search icon to search for the appropriate tool
• Make NetCDF Raster Layer, Make NetCDF Feature Layer process is the same, just different tool being called
• Within each tool, you have ability to specify the desired output layer

Make NetCDF Raster Layer

1. Click Search
2. Type "Make NetCDF Raster Layer"
3. For input, browse to the desired NetCDF file
4. Under Variable, select the desired variable you want to display (if there is more than one)
5. x=long, y=lat
6. To specify a time slice other than the default, click on Default Values and choose a dimension from the list
7. Click Ok

Display A Specific Time Step

1. Right-Click on the layer name
2. Click on Properties
3. Click the NetCDF tab
4. Next to the Year variable, select the desired time slice

Recommendations

• Panoply or other visualization tools can be used to review and validate data
• GDAL can be leveraged to correct many issues
• Perform analysis at variable level using gdalinfo
• Use gdaltranslate to find coordinate system, corner values, and origin

Verification

• Can compare ArcGIS projection externally with Panoply/HDF Viewer to ensure that the images are the same
• For example, make sure that the values at every corner are the same on both programs

Additional Resources

View a video demonstration using data from the Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) project.