top of page
Search

How to Read MrSID Files in QGIS, ArcGIS, and Open-Source Tools

In the geospatial industry, MrSID Files are commonly used to store large amounts of raster data, such as aerial photos, satellite images, and scanned maps. MrSID files have an excellent compression ratio, allowing for large amounts of data to be stored at a much smaller size while retaining high-quality images.


If you’ve received a .sid file and don’t know how to open the file in QGIS, ArcGIS, or any other open-source GIS software, this guide will provide all of the information that you need in order to successfully open the file.


MrSID Files in QGIS, ArcGIS, and Open-Source Tools
MrSID Files in QGIS, ArcGIS, and Open-Source Tools

What Is a MrSID File?


A MrSID (Multi-resolution Seamless Image Database) file is a raster image format developed by LizardTech (a GeoWGS84 company) for the purpose of compressing large geospatial raster data sets with minimal loss of quality.


Advantages of Using MrSID:


  • High Compression Ratio

  • Multi-Resolution Support for Fast Zooming

  • Efficient Storage of Aerial and Satellite Imagery

  • Georeferenced Raster Data Support


MrSID files use the .sid file extension.


How to Open MrSID Files in QGIS


QGIS supports MrSID files, but compatibility depends on how GDAL was built in your installation.


Method 1: Directly Add MrSID to QGIS


  1. Open QGIS

  2. Go to Layer → Add Layer → Add Raster Layer

  3. Browse to your .sid file

  4. Click Add


If your QGIS installation includes MrSID support in GDAL, the file will load like any other raster.


If MrSID Does Not Open in QGIS


Some QGIS builds (especially default open-source builds) may not include native MrSID support due to licensing restrictions.


Solution 1: Convert MrSID to GeoTIFF Using GDAL


You can convert the file using GDAL:


gdal_translate input.sid output.tif

After conversion:


  • Open the .tif file in QGIS

  • GeoTIFF ensures full compatibility


Solution 2: Install OSGeo4W (Windows Users)


The OSGeo4W Advanced Installer sometimes includes additional raster format support depending on the build configuration.


How to Open MrSID Files in ArcGIS


The MrSID file format is more effectively supported natively within ArcGIS.


For ArcGIS Pro:


  1. Launch ArcGIS Pro

  2. Navigate to the "Add Data" menu

  3. Locate the .sid image file with the browse option available

  4. Select the .sid image and click OK


Most types of MrSID raster images will work without any further configuration in ArcGIS Pro.


In ArcMap:


  1. Open ArcMap

  2. Click Add Data

  3. Select the .sid file.

  4. Add it to the map


If the file does not open, verify:


  • The MrSID file is not corrupted.

  • The coordinate system is defined.

  • The ArcGIS version supports the compression type


How to Open MrSID Files Using Open-Source Tools


If you prefer fully open-source solutions, here are your options:


  1. GDAL (Command Line)


GDAL is the most powerful open-source geospatial library.


Check if your GDAL supports MrSID:


gdalinfo --formats | find "SID"

If supported, inspect the file:


gdalinfo input.sid

Convert to GeoTIFF:


gdal_translate input.sid output.tif


  1. Global Mapper


While not fully open-source, Global Mapper has strong support for MrSID files and can convert them to other formats.


  1. Rasterio (Python)


If GDAL supports MrSID, you can open it in Python:


import rasterio

with rasterio.open("input.sid") as src:

    print(src.profile)

If it fails, convert the file to GeoTIFF first.


Common Issues When Opening MrSID Files


  1. Compression without Support


Some newer MrSID compression formats will not be supported in older software applications.


  1. No Coordinate System Found


If the raster loads but isn't positioned correctly:


  • Check the projection.

  • Manually define the project coordinate system if necessary.


  1. Corrupted File

Run:

gdalinfo input.sid

If errors appear, the file may be corrupted.


The MrSID format is still the most popular file format for distributing aerial and satellite imagery because it provides excellent compression and performance. ArcGIS has great native support for MrSID files; however, other open-source GIS applications (for example, QGIS) will probably need you to either have GDAL support or convert the file into another format.


If you frequently utilize raster datasets in your GIS projects, it’s essential to have knowledge of how to work with MrSID files so that you have an easier time working across platforms within your GIS workflow.


For more information or any questions regarding the 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


 
 
 
bottom of page