Embed

Overview

Embed is a native raster processing tool in iXGIS. Unlike a traditional raster mosaic, the Embed tool focuses on local replacement based on a reference layer. It lets you specify a base raster file as the reference and embed an overlay raster file into the base raster according to its geographic location.

The tool automatically handles spatial reference and resolution differences between rasters, ensuring that the overlay layer accurately covers the corresponding location in the base layer. It is commonly used for local data updates, detailed terrain repair, and multi-source data fusion.

Use Cases

• Local data update: Replace part of an existing large-area remote sensing image or DEM with newly acquired high-precision local imagery.
• Terrain repair: Use more accurate local survey data to fix abnormal values or fill gaps in a large-area terrain model.
• Thematic feature fusion: Embed classification results for a specific area, such as a building mask, into a background land-use map.
• Multi-scale modeling: Embed high-resolution data for a key study area into a low-resolution background map.

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Notes
Base raster file	The background raster used as the embed reference. The output result inherits the spatial structure of the base file.	Select only one raster layer.
Overlay raster file	The raster layer to embed into the base file.	Select only one raster layer.
Embed method	Defines the operation rule used when the overlay file replaces or combines with cells in the base file. This controls how overlapping areas are handled. The default is Use overlay raster value. Supported options include: • Add: base raster data plus overlay raster data • Subtract: base raster data minus overlay raster data • Multiply: base raster data multiplied by overlay raster data • Divide: base raster data divided by overlay raster data • Maximum: maximum of the base raster data and overlay raster data • Minimum: minimum of the base raster data and overlay raster data • Mean: mean of the base raster data and overlay raster data • Absolute difference: absolute value of base raster data minus overlay raster data • Use base raster value: use the base raster data value • Use overlay raster value: use the overlay raster data value	Default: Use overlay raster value.
Output file	Specifies the storage location of the raster file generated after embedding.	See common raster output.

Operating Steps

1. Start the tool

   Open the Raster Basic Tools toolbox, go to Raster Data > Create Raster, and double-click Embed to open the tool pane.

2. Set input layers

   • Base raster file: Select the reference raster used as the background.
   • Overlay raster file: Click the add button and select the local layer to embed.

3. Configure embed parameters

   • Select Embed method.
   • For example, Use overlay raster value uses the overlay raster data value.

4. Configure output properties

   • Raster properties are inherited from Base raster file. This tool does not provide separate raster property settings.
   • Set the Output file path and name, such as embed_result.tif.

5. Run the task

   • Click Execute at the bottom of the window.
   • After the task is complete, the system generates a complete raster that includes the local update information.

Notes

• Base and overlay relationship: The base file determines the final extent of the result. If the overlay file exceeds the geographic extent of the base file, the excess area is discarded.
• Automatic coordinate system conversion: The iXGIS engine automatically projects the overlay file to the coordinate system of the base file. For best performance, use a consistent coordinate system in advance.
• Cell alignment: The tool automatically resamples the overlay file to match the resolution of the base file.
• NoData handling: If the overlay file contains NoData, the original cells at the corresponding locations in the base file are retained and are not overwritten by NoData.