Using Satellite SST Data in ArcGIS (ArcMap & ArcGIS Pro)
Overview
This tutorial series demonstrates how to use NOAA CoastWatch Sea Surface Temperature (SST) satellite data within ArcGIS to perform spatial and temporal analysis using multidimensional NetCDF datasets. The workflow includes downloading data from ERDDAP, preparing and modifying CSV-based tracking data, enabling time-aware layers, extracting raster values using Spatial Analyst tools, and generating maps, graphs, and animations.
A real-world example using a multi-year loggerhead sea turtle track is used to illustrate spatial–temporal sampling and habitat interpretation (e.g., TurtleWatch temperature thresholds). The workflow highlights practical GIS concepts including longitude format conversion (0–360 vs. -180–180), time configuration, multidimensional raster management, and feature–raster extraction.
Software Versions
Two parallel versions of this tutorial are available. Both follow the same scientific workflow but use platform-specific tools and interfaces.
ArcGIS Pro
- Uses modern multidimensional raster tools
- Built-in time slider with improved time management
- Enhanced NetCDF support
- Streamlined Spatial Analyst workflows
ArcMap
- Uses Make NetCDF Raster Layer and legacy multidimension tools
- Manual time layer configuration
- Spatial Analyst Sample tool for multidimensional extraction
- Compatible with ArcMap 10.4–10.8.1
What You Will Learn
Across both versions, you will learn how to:
- Download and subset SST data from ERDDAP
- Import and configure multidimensional NetCDF raster data
- Convert and prepare CSV point data for GIS use
- Enable and control time-aware layers
- Extract raster values at point locations
- Create publication-ready maps and visualizations
- Generate time-series graphs and animated outputs