Creating a linked file

With a linked file, several people can work with the data while preserving the integrity of the source files. Linking protects source data by creating an empty PCIDSK file and provides indirect access to imagery on both GDB-supported and PCIDSK files.

Linking a file also makes the data accessible over a network or on the same system disk without duplicating large files. Imagery is neither copied nor transferred; rather, pointers are created to describe the folder location and layout of the data. Changes are saved to the linked file only. Auxiliary information, such as lookup tables (LUT), pseudocolor tables (PCT), bitmaps, vectors, and georeferencing information is also transferred to the newly created linked file.

You can link to a remote source file, specify a destination PCIDSK file to be created, and set overview options.

To create a linked PCIDSK file

On the File menu, click Create PCIDSK Link.
The PCIDSK Link window appears.
To select a source file, click Browse, if necessary.
That is, if you already have a file open in the File Utility window when you click the Create PCIDSK Link command, the file appears as the source file in the PCIDSK Link window. If you do not have a file open, click Browse, and then select the source file you want.
In the Destination file box, type the path and file name of the file you want or, to specify a file, click Browse.
Note: The output file must not already exist.
In the Overview options list, select a downsampling option.
You can select from the following:
- Nearest neighbor downsampling
- Block averaged downsampling
- Block mode downsampling
- Disable overview
Note: Building overviews with Block averaged downsampling or Block mode downsampling selected can be significantly slower than with Nearest neighbor downsampling. If you are unsure of the nature of the raster, or if the speed of preparing the image overview is important, select Nearest neighbor downsampling.
Click Link.
The linked file is created based on the information you specified.