Cost raster

A raster dataset that identifies the cost of traveling through each cell in the raster. A cost raster can be used to calculate the cumulative cost of traveling from every cell in the raster to a source or a set of sources. Cost rasters usually consist of several criteria. These criteria can include objects such as slope, land use, vegetation etc. depending on the needs of the project. Since the criteria are all of different sorts they have to be reclassified into into general ranges that can be used to correspond their weighted values with each other. The criteria are then compiled into a single raster which is the used in the analysis. Cost rasters are used in the analysis of determining a least cost path analysis.

Creation of a Cost Raster
The creation of a cost raster within ArcMap is a multi-step process that will vary according to the project or desired outcome. The common procedure for this follows:
 * 1) Compile desired data in raster format.
 * 2) Reclassify data accordingly.
 * 3) Perform map algebra calculation of either addition or multiplications dependent on the project.