JALBTCX/QRStep3

Figure 5: Step 3 - Generate Difference Grid by Clip Mask. Red stars indicate required fields.

Summary: This step uses raster math to create a “Difference Grid”. First, elevation surfaces are created for each year of data using the clip mask. The script then uses arcpy.sa.Minus to get the difference grid between two input rasters. The output raster cell size is determined by default based on the cell size of the input raster with the smallest cells. For example, if a DEM raster with a 1m resolution is subtracted by a DEM raster with a 3m resolution, the output will be a 1m raster. The outputs of this step include surface grids and a difference grid to be used in subsequent steps for volume change.

Before Raster(s): Raster from the earlier point in time

Before Raster Label (YYYY or other strings): Desired label for the before raster. The year is suggested but the user is free to decide.

After Raster(s): Raster from the later point in time.

After Raster Label (YYYY or other strings): Desired label for the after raster. The year is suggested but the user is free to decide.

Clip Mask: Clip Mask generated in Step 2.

Output Geodatabase: Full file path, including name and file extension, for desired output geodatabase.

Project Name (must start with letters): Desired name for the project. The output file name will be “User-defined project name” + “_’Type of Grid’_” + “before year” + “after year”. This tool will output: one before raster grid per segment, one after raster per segment and one difference grid per segment.

Best Practices & Example Data:

Figure 6 displays displays surface and difference Grids for Homer, AK example data. Figure 6A: 2018 surface grid, 6B: 2019 surface grid. 6C: Difference grid between 2018 and 2019.

Figure 6: Surface (a & b) and Difference Grid (c) outputs from Step 3 in Homer AK.

Useful Links

JALBTCX Main Documentation Page

Refences: Quick Response Toolbox