Raster To Points
Overview
Converts raster data to point features by creating points from raster cell centers or selected raster values.
Use Cases
- DEM to points: Convert a digital elevation model (DEM) to elevation points for interpolation or analysis.
- Extract classified data: Extract point data for specific classes, such as forest or water, from a land-use raster.
- Remote sensing processing: Convert cell values such as NDVI or temperature to point data for spatial statistics.
- Data reduction and sampling: Reduce data volume and extract key points for analysis.
Parameters
Basic settings (required)
| Parameter | Description | Data type |
|---|---|---|
| Input raster file | Raster to convert to point features. | Raster |
| Do not export invalid values (optional) | Controls whether NoData values in the raster are removed. | Boolean |
| Output path | Folder where the result file is saved. | Folder path |
| Output file name | Name of the output vector file. | Text without extension |
Steps
- Start the tool: Open Geoprocessing Toolbox > Data Management Tools > Data Conversion > Raster To Vector, then start Raster To Points.
- Set parameters: In Basic settings, select the input raster. By default, the tool does not export invalid values.
- Run and monitor the task: Click Run. You can view progress, runtime, and status in Task List.
- Handle failures if needed: If the run fails, review the error message and use Edit to return to the tool pane.
Notes
- Output size: High-resolution rasters, such as 1 m DEMs, may generate a very large number of points and affect performance.
- NoData handling: NoData cells are skipped by default. Adjust the option if your workflow requires them.
- Cell value storage: For floating-point rasters, such as elevation rasters, values may change slightly because of the output storage format.
- Coordinate precision: Point positions are based on cell centers and do not represent original raster boundaries exactly.