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BigTIFF to MrSID Conversion Explained

In the geospatial and remote sensing community, a process is essential that allows for easy processing of large raster datasets. In particular, two commonly used formats stand out from the pack: BigTIFF and MrSID, each with its unique capabilities. This guide describes the process of converting BigTIFF to MrSID, the implications of choosing one format over the other, and the resources you will need to facilitate the conversion process.


BigTIFF
BigTIFF

What is BigTIFF?


BigTIFF is an extension to the standard TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format that enables the storage of very large raster datasets greater than the 4 GB limit of the standard TIFF format. The BigTIFF format is used in applications, such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, and geospatial information systems (GIS) projects, that require high-resolution raster datasets.


BigTIFF Highlights:


  • Raw file sizes that are greater than 4 GB.

  • Maintains high-resolution image quality.

  • Compatible with most GIS software that produces raster datasets.


While BigTIFF does a great job of storing very large datasets, it does not, however, have the ability to efficiently compress, nor does it have fast rendering of large datasets online for GIS applications.


What is MrSID?


MrSID, which stands for Multiresolution Seamless Image Database, is a raster compression format that was developed by LizardTech and is proprietary. MrSID is commonly used in GIS and mapping projects because of its highly efficient wavelet-based compression process and its ability to handle large images quickly.


MrSID's Key Features:


  • Very high compression ratios with little to no loss of quality.

  • Storage as a multiresolution image for faster zooming and panning.

  • Machine optimized for mapping applications such as ArcGIS and MapInfo.


Why Convert BigTIFF to MrSID?


There are a couple of reasons in favor of converting your BigTIFF to MrSID:


  1. Decreased File Size: MrSID compression allows storage in a much smaller footprint without visible loss of quality.

  2. Faster performance: This point applies more to web GIS applications or larger mapping projects where loading time is a factor.

  3. Better interoperability/excerpt overall workflow: Most GIS software platforms utilize MrSID and will enhance overall workflow and compatibility.


Conversion Tools


There are several tools and software that can convert from BigTIFF to MrSID. The most common include:


  1. GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library)


GDAL is a popular open-source software library for raster and vector geospatial data. While BigTIFF is fully supported, MrSID support requires a licensed MrSID SDK from LizardTech.


Conversion Command Example:


gdal_translate -of MrSID input_big.tif output_mrsid.sid


  1. LizardTech GeoExpress


GeoExpress is a professional application specifically built for managing and creating MrSID imagery. It has an easy-to-use GUI and advanced options for compression.


  1. ArcGIS Desktop


ArcGIS allows you to export BigTIFF files to MrSID directly using the “Raster To Other Format” tool; this option is available for both single-file and batch conversions.


Best Practices for Conversion


  1. Check Resolution Requirements: Please only compress files as necessary to ensure quality is not degraded. See if you can reduce the file size to a greater extent for the image type in raster format.

  2. Batch processing: For datasets of large file sizes, doing batch processing is the best option; especially since MrSID files may take a long finish, you can deal with datasets in a matter of hours instead of days.

  3. Validate output: Each MrSID output should always be checked for visual artifacts and projection errors.


For GIS professionals struggling with large raster datasets, converting BigTIFF to MrSID is a compelling solution. Using the compression and multiresolution capabilities of MrSID is an effective method to help reduce storage capacity requirements, improve performance, and enhance compatibility between GIS platforms. GDAL, GeoExpress, and ArcGIS all facilitate this process and provide an easy and efficient method to do so.


For more information or any questions regarding the BigTIFF and MrSID, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849

India: 98260-76466 - Pradeep Shrivastava

Canada: (519) 590 9999

Mexico: 55 5941 3755

UK & Spain: +44 12358 56710


 
 
 

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