If you don't need to make a selection, then you do not need to add the mosaic dataset to the map. You can right-click the mosaic dataset in the Catalog pane and click Repair Mosaic Dataset Paths to open the same dialog. It is not linked to the selected layer in the Catalog pane at this point. You will need to manually build a query. The mosaic dataset is aware of the paths that are broken. When you check this option, you can reduce the length of time used to search for and modify the paths.
Alternatively, you may have some rasters that remain in the original path location and you don't want these paths to be modified. The old and new paths do not have to be the entire paths; they can be the parts of the paths that have changed. For example, if you have renamed the disk location, you only need to rename part of it. To create seamlines for a mosaic dataset, you use the Build Seamlines tool. Seamlines are like footprints: The shape of the polygon represents the part of the image that will be used to generate the mosaicked image when viewing the mosaic dataset. Once the seamlines are built, a Seamline layer will be present in the table of contents each time you add the mosaic dataset to ArcMap.
By default, the seamlines are generated using the North-West mosaic method. You can also choose to create the seamlines using the Closest To Viewpoint or By Attribute mosaic methods. Based on the mosaic method, a ranking value is stored in the SOrder field in the attribute table.
Wonderful DIY Spiral Rock Mosaic Path
The SOrder value determines the order in which the images will be mosaicked together—like the ZOrder, the lower value is mosaicked on top. The illustration below displays the mosaic order of the three images and the area of overlap where the seamline will intersect. There are four options when building seamlines. The first option is to create seamlines from the footprints, without computing a path between intersecting points, but considering the mosaic method as shown below.
The second option is to build the seamlines by examining the values and patterns in the intersecting area and to compute a path between the intersecting points above. This path is then merged with the footprint to create the seamline for each single image in the mosaic dataset shown below. When the mosaic is complete, lay edging or a field of pavers, bricks, or bluestones around it to hold the pattern together.
Fill any large gaps in the mosaic with a bit of extra concrete mix, then mist the mosaic to fully saturate the concrete beneath the stones, and cover it with a plastic tarp. Uncover the mosaic and make sure the stones are dry. Scatter topping mix onto the stones, working on a small section at a time, and use a paint brush to spread the mix into the joints between stones.
Leave a reveal if you like; it should be no more than one-third of the stones' height. The more topping mix you add, the harder the mosaic will set. In high-traffic areas, fill the joints until the mix sits close to or flush with the tops of the stones.
Create a Pebble Mosaic
Lightly mist the topping mix until it's fully saturated. You can add more mix at this point if the first layer settled too much after you misted it. Allow the mix to absorb the water, then let it cure for 30 to 60 minutes. Use a stiff-bristled brush to dress and shape the joints to your liking.
Cover the mosaic with the plastic tarp to hold in moisture while it cures. For a harder cure, uncover the mosaic and mist it a few times over the course of a day or two as it begins to set. Full curing may take a couple of weeks, depending on the weather. When it's complete, buff the stones with a damp cloth to remove concrete residue. Sand and scrap plywood to make a box in which to lay out the mosaic's design. Or spread the sand on a plastic tarp.
Choose flat pebbles or cobbles in colors you like. We used green and slate black from the Signature Stones collection at Stone Decorative.
Concrete mix, such as Quikrete. Also known as sand mix, it's finer than concrete mix and contains no aggregate. Quikrete and other companies make it. You'll add it like grout between the joints after laying the stones. Pavers, bricks, or bluestones to surround the mosaic and hold it in place.
Using your own seamlines
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- The Dystopia Chronicles Book I - Left Leaning Logic: Diversity Via Conformity;
- Mosaic dataset seamlines.
- Behind the Iron Fist (Siren Publishing Classic)!