When provided with 2 TB of aerial imagery without the ability to duplicate, which storage type is most appropriate for ArcGIS Desktop?

The most appropriate storage type for handling 2 TB of aerial imagery in ArcGIS Desktop without the ability to duplicate is a Mosaic Dataset. This option is designed specifically for managing large collections of raster data, allowing for efficient storage, access, and analysis.

Mosaic Datasets enable you to build a virtual representation of your raster data, which can include images from various sources and resolutions. They allow for seamless integration of these datasets while maintaining the original data in its stored location. This is particularly advantageous when working with significant amounts of imagery, like 2 TB, as it avoids the need for duplication and saves storage space.

Additionally, a Mosaic Dataset provides advanced functionalities, such as dynamic mosaicking, where the software can render only the data necessary for view or analysis at a given time, further optimizing performance. This feature ensures that users can work effectively with large datasets without overwhelming system resources.

In contrast, while other storage types like Managed Raster Catalogs and Raster Datasets could be useful, they are not as effective for managing extensive imagery collections. A Managed Raster Catalog, for instance, requires copying the raster data into the geodatabase, which contradicts the requirement of not duplicating the imagery. Raster Datasets are more suited for single images or smaller collections