Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF

Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF (COG) is a geospatial raster format designed to make large imagery datasets easier to access and process over the internet. It follows the GeoTIFF standard while organizing raster data into internal tiles and reduced-resolution overviews. This structure allows GIS software, web mapping platforms, and remote sensing applications to retrieve only the image sections and resolution levels required for analysis, rather than downloading the complete file. COGs are commonly used for satellite imagery, aerial imagery, digital elevation models (DEMs), orthophotos, and other large raster datasets. They work particularly well with cloud object storage and HTTP-based services, making them an important component of modern cloud-native geospatial workflows. By minimizing unnecessary data transfers, COGs can improve imagery visualization, data delivery, and processing efficiency. Their compatibility with widely used geospatial software also makes them practical for sharing and managing large raster datasets across distributed GIS environments.