Using ModelBuilder to Iterate and extract subdatasets with in hdf file and project subdatasets?

Question

I have a large file of n-files. I am interested in using the model builder within GIS to extract subdataset fields within a Modis hdf file. I am particularly interested in extracting Aerosol data from the hdf packed file. I have to do this over several days (to years) worth of data. Once I have extracted these subdatasets within the hdf file, I would need to then project the subdataset into WGS1984.

I am interested in the model building approach, so I can learn its functionality. I know python may provide another solution, however, for the moment, I am interested in sticking with ModelBuilder (for educational purposes...).

I have attempted to create a model, but due to limited experience with this, I am confused as to why it is erroring out. I thought as long as I iterate within all the hdf files within my directory, and pull the subdatasets, then project those subdatasets, I would have usable layers. This is not the case.

I am using ArcGIS 10.2 for Desktop.

Answer 1

I am not certain of the exact problem, but I have a few suggestions of things you can try:

1. Try setting the output into a folder instead of default gdb.

2. Double check to make sure the spatial reference files were not lost when copying form the source.

3. Check which version of HDF file you are trying to use. According to this it may not supported, or may be a type that does not contain a subdataset.

Raster data with subdatasets http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//009t00000014000000

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I know this thread is a bit old but here is my solution for anyone trying to do this: I had a similar work task to accomplish with model builder where I had to extract a specific subdataset from over one hundred MODIS C2 .hdf files, store them in a file geodatabase, and run a series of geoprocessing tools afterwards. When I used the iterator tool with the extract subdatset tool I was getting the same error message as above (I'm using ArcGIS 10.5). I finally figured out why I was getting the error: The system is trying to record the name of the .hdf files with the ".hdf" extension within the file geodatabase...which obviously doesn't work !! So, the simple solution is the use the "Parse Path" tool (right click on the Model Builder canvas > Model Only Tools > Parse Path) to only use the name of the HDF file instead of the whole file name, and in the "Extract Subdataset" tool set " Value" as a precondition (Right click on "Extract Subdataset" tool>Properties>Precondition tab: check "Value" only) - Refer to the attached image to understand better. NOTE 1: Make sure to rename all your .HDF files so there is no punctuation in the file name as well otherwise it will not work. NOTE 2: in the Parse path tool make sure you use the option Name only (Not File, Path or extension) Voila ! You should be good to go now ! Have fun and be safe !