GeoTIFFtiedoston

A GeoTIFF file is a raster geodata file that conforms to the TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) standard, but includes additional metadata that describes the georeferencing information of the image. This metadata allows GIS (Geographic Information System) software to correctly interpret the spatial location and properties of the image data, such as its projection, coordinate system, and spatial extent.

The GeoTIFF format is widely used for storing and exchanging geospatial raster data, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, digital elevation models (DEMs), and scanned maps. The TIFF format itself is a flexible image file format known for supporting a wide range of image compressions and bit depths, while the GeoTIFF extension provides the necessary hooks to embed this crucial geospatial context.

The georeferencing information within a GeoTIFF is typically stored in a set of TIFF tags, adhering to specific conventions defined by the GeoTIFF specification. These tags can define the geographic transformation (e.g., how pixel coordinates map to real-world coordinates), the model tie points, the raster's resolution, and the coordinate system definition. This embedded information ensures that when a GeoTIFF is opened in compatible software, it is automatically placed in the correct geographic location, allowing for accurate analysis and integration with other spatial datasets. Without this metadata, a TIFF image would simply be a grid of pixels without any inherent geographic meaning.