How Do I Open A Cloud Optimized GeoTiff (.tif) File?

All complete SkyWatch orders return the following standard products:

Visual Output File - A .png image, that can be opened without further analysis

COG- Cloud Optimized GeoTiff (.tif) file - A georeferenced, and can be used for further customization or analysis in GIS software.

Metadata - A JSON file containing the associated metadata for an image

This article covers the steps of how to open the COG (.tif), using QGIS, an open source GIS software for displaying such images. You can also open COG files on ESRI ArcPro or other GIS software you have available.

Note: COG files are BIGTIFF formats and are NOT supported by image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

1. Download the .tif file by clicking on the Download -> Metadata -> Download

2. (If Not Already Installed) Install QGIS software: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html

3. (Optional) Add Google Satellite Data as a source for a basemap (XYZ Tile) in QGIS: https://opensourceoptions.com/blog/how-to-add-google-satellite-imagery-and-google-maps-to-qgis/

4. Open QGIS and load the downloaded .tif file (drag & drop the .tif file into QGIS):

5. (Optional) Add the Google Satellite basemap, as a layer in the project:

6. Reorder the layers, so the Google Satellite layer is below the .tif image:

7. The image should not be visibly and automatically georeferenced on top of the Google Satellite basemap, ready for any further analysis. Multiple .tif files can be displayed at the same time if necessary.

8. A COG will have the image bands ordered following the suppliers settings. You will need to open the COG files symbology (right click on the file in the Layers box, select Properties, and go to Symbology). There, you can change what bands are active in the Red, Green, and Blue fields.

To review the original band order for all SkyWatch product sources, please use the links below.

AirBus

Maxar

Planet