Unlike with HDF files, NetCDF data cannot be added using the "Add Data" button.

There are three ways to read in NetCDF files in Arcgis:

  1. As a point feature layer: This tool is primarily used for data points with varying space
  2. As a raster layer: If data points are equally spaced, like in level 3 gridded data, you can use the As a Raster Layer tool
  3. As a table view

      Process:

Make NetCDF Raster Layer:

  1. Click Search
  2. Type "Make NetCDF Raster Layer"
  3. For input, browse to the desired NetCDF file
  4. Under Variable, select the desired variable you want to display (if there is more than one)
  5. x=long, y=lat
  6. To specify a time slice other than the default, click on Default Values and choose a dimension from the list
  7. Click Ok


Display A Specific Time Step:

  1. Right-Click on the layer name
  2. Click on Properties
  3. Click the NetCDF tab
  4. Next to the Year variable, select the desired time slice

Recommendations:


Video Tutorial using POWER Example: