COG

A Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF (COG) is a specialized form of the GeoTIFF raster format designed for efficient storage, distribution, and processing of geospatial data in cloud environments. Unlike conventional raster files that may require downloading an entire dataset before analysis, COGs organize imagery into independently accessible tiles and include reduced-resolution overviews. This structure allows GIS and remote sensing applications to retrieve only the required portions of a dataset through web-based requests. COGs are particularly useful for managing large satellite imagery, aerial imagery, elevation models, orthophotos, and scientific raster datasets. They support cloud-native geospatial workflows by reducing data transfer requirements and enabling faster visualization and on-demand processing. COGs can be stored in cloud object storage and accessed directly by compatible geospatial software and web services. By combining the interoperability of GeoTIFF with efficient web access, the COG format has become an important component of modern cloud GIS, remote sensing, spatial data infrastructure, and large-scale raster analytics.