Invalid raster dataset. Failed to create raster layer.

[KyleSmith2]

I'm having an issue viewing raster data stored in SDE 10.1(Windows SQL Server R2) from Desktop 10.0.  When I attempt to port the raster data into 10.0 I get the error "Invalid raster dataset.  Failed to create raster layer."  I can import and view the raster data using Desktop 10.1 without problem.

I've been looking for a fix, but unfortunately this appears to be a generic error message with many potential causes.  Has anyone else experienced this problem?  Is there an incompatibility between SDE 10.1 and Desktop 10.0 or is there an issue with my data/SDE setup.

[KyleSmith2]

Yes, I get the same error.  I tried .IMG and .PNG with the same results.

[JakeSkinner]

Can you create a layer package of one of your TIFFs and upload it?  You can upload .lpk files up to 10 MBs.  To create the layer package, right-click on the TIFF in ArcMap > Create Layer Package.

[KyleSmith2]

I've tried loading two .lpk files, one 4.9MB and one 2.35MB with no luck.  I keep getting a "Request Entity Too Large" error.

[JakeSkinner]

Export the TIFF to a new TIFF with JPEG compression by right-clicking on the TIFF in ArcMap > Data > Export Data.  If the zipped file is still larger than 1 MB, you can zoom into a smaller extent and when you are exporting the raster, using the steps above, choose the option 'Data Frame (Current)' for the Extent.

[KyleSmith2]

I received an error when trying to export with JPEG compression.  I included the error message below in case it means something.

The error:  JPEG compression in only supported for 8bit unsigned or 16bit unsinged data, with one or three bands, and a without a colormap.  My images have a color map if that matters.


Anyway, I cropped and exported the .tif without JPEG compression and attached it.

[JakeSkinner · Accepted solution]

Hi Kyle,

I believe you may have found a bug.  I was able to reproduce this issue with your data, and another raster I had that contains a colormap.  I would recommend following up with Tech Support so they can properly log this issue. 

You can use a workaround.  Instead of importing the raster by right-clicking on the geodatabase > Import > Raster Dataset, use the Copy Raster tool.  With this tool there is the option 'Colormap to RGB'.  This will retain the same colors, but your image will now be a 3-band raster dataset.  I tested this and was able to view the ArcSDE 10.1  raster dataset successfully in ArcGIS Desktop 10.0.

[KyleSmith2]

Thanks, Jake.  I was able to get things working with the Copy Raster tool.