Mean
Local average.
ȳ=(1/n)Σxi
Focal / Neighborhood Statistics
Calculate a statistic in a moving neighborhood around each raster cell.
Raster AnalysisEnd-User DocumentationTheory + Formula + Parameters1. What This Feature Does
Calculate a statistic in a moving neighborhood around each raster cell.
Cloud workflow: choose data → configure the scientific method → run → review the resulting layer/report. No programming is required.
2. Recommended Workflow
Choose source band.
↓
Choose statistic.
↓
Choose odd window size.
↓
Run and interpret the smoothed/local statistic raster.
3. Theory, Methods & Equations
Median
Local 50th percentile; robust to outliers.
Median = P50(x)
Minimum / Maximum
Local extrema.
y=min(xi) or max(xi)
Sum
Local sum.
y=Σxi
Standard Deviation
Local variability.
s=√[(1/(n−1))Σ(xi−x̄)²]
Majority
Most frequent categorical value in the window.
y=mode{xi}
Best used when: smoothing class rasters.
4. Input Data
| Input | Type | Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Raster | raster | Required |
5. Parameters Available in the Application
| Parameter | Default | Choices / Range | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raster Band | — | — | |
| Statistic | mean | mean, median, min, max, sum, std, majority | |
| Window Size | 3 | 3 to 101 | |
| Output Nodata | -9999 | — |
6. Output & Interpretation
The result should be interpreted according to the selected method and the physical meaning of the input data. Preserve source units, coordinate reference information, NoData meaning, acquisition date, and preprocessing level when comparing results.
Scientific interpretation: an algorithm can produce a numerically valid result even when the input data are unsuitable. Always check masks, units, sensor characteristics, spatial resolution and reference data.
7. Best Practices
- Use analysis-ready inputs and remove invalid/cloud/noise artifacts that are not part of the target phenomenon.
- Choose parameters from the physical scale of the data, not only from visual appearance.
- Keep categorical and continuous rasters conceptually separate when selecting interpolation/resampling methods.
- Compare the result with the source image and independent reference information.
- Document the settings used when results will be compared across dates, sensors or study areas.