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How to View and Convert MrSID Files Using QGIS, ArcGIS, and Open-Source Software

  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

If you work with geospatial imagery, you’ve likely encountered MrSID files. Whether you’re handling aerial photography, satellite imagery, or large raster datasets, understanding how to view and convert MrSID files is essential for smooth GIS workflows.


MrSID Files Using QGIS, ArcGIS, and Open-Source Software
MrSID Files Using QGIS, ArcGIS, and Open-Source Software


What Is a MrSID File?


LizardTech (a GeoWGS84 Company) developed MrSID (Multiresolution Seamless Image Database), an image compression format.


MrSID Files:


  • Use wavelet compression

  • Have good image quality while being much smaller files.

  • Have many uses in aerial photos and ortho-photos.

  • Have the .sid file extension,


Because MrSID is widely adopted in the geospatial industry, most major GIS platforms either support it natively or offer plugins, SDKs, and packages to integrate it into your workflows.


How to View MrSID Files in QGIS


QGIS is a powerful open-source GIS platform that supports many raster formats, including MrSID (depending on your GDAL installation).


Step 1: Install QGIS


Download the latest version of QGIS from the official website and install it.

Make sure your installation includes GDAL with MrSID support.


Step 2: Add MrSID File to QGIS


  1. Open QGIS

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

  3. Browse to your .sid file.

  4. Click Add


If properly supported, the MrSID image will load into the map canvas.


Troubleshooting: MrSID Not Opening in QGIS


If your file doesn’t open:


  • Check GDAL format support: Go to Processing → Toolbox → GDAL → Raster information.

  • Run:

    gdalinfo yourfile.sid

  • If MrSID isn’t supported, you’ll need to convert the file first (see conversion section below).


How to View MrSID Files in ArcGIS


ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap (by Esri) provide native support for many MrSID files.


Opening MrSID in ArcGIS Pro


  1. Open ArcGIS Pro

  2. Go to Map → Add Data.

  3. Select your .sid file.

  4. Click OK


The raster will load automatically if supported.


Convert MrSID to GeoTIFF in GeoViewer Pro


Converting MrSID files to GeoTIFF in GeoViewer Pro is straightforward and ensures better compatibility with open GIS workflows, web mapping platforms, and analysis tools.


Step-by-Step Guide


  1. Open the MrSID File


  • Launch GeoViewer Pro

  • Click File → Open

  • Browse to your .sid file and load it.


  1. Verify Projection (Optional but Recommended)


  • Check the coordinate reference system (CRS) in the layer properties.

  • Confirm the projection is correctly defined before exporting.


  1. Export to GeoTIFF


  • Go to File → Export or Save As

  • Select GeoTIFF (.tif) as the output format.

  • Choose the destination folder.

  • Configure export options (if available):

    • Compression: LZW or DEFLATE

    • Maintain original resolution

    • Preserve georeferencing


  1. Save the File


  • Click Export or Save

  • The new GeoTIFF file will retain spatial reference and metadata.


Convert MrSID to GeoTIFF Using Open-Source Tools


If you prefer open-source or command-line tools, the best option is GDAL.

GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) supports raster format conversion.


Method 1: Using gdal_translate


Install GDAL, then run:


gdal_translate -of GTiff input.sid output.tif

Additional Options


Preserve projection:


gdal_translate -of GTiff -a_srs EPSG:4326 input.sid output.tif

Set compression:


gdal_translate -of GTiff -co COMPRESS=LZW input.sid output.tif

Method 2: Convert Using QGIS (GUI Method)


  1. Right-click raster layer

  2. Select Export → Save As

  3. Format: GeoTIFF

  4. Choose CRS if needed.was

  5. Click OK


This uses GDAL internally.


Why Convert MrSID to GeoTIFF?


GeoTIFF is widely supported and preferred for:


  • Web GIS applications

  • Cloud processing

  • Machine learning workflows

  • Integration with platforms like GeoWGS84.ai


Advantages of GeoTIFF:


  • Open standard

  • Better compatibility

  • Full metadata support

  • Easier integration with Python libraries


Common Issues and Solutions


  1. “Unsupported Format” Error


Cause:

  • GDAL was built without MrSID support

  • Licensing limitations


Solution:

  • Install a full GDAL build.

  • Use ArcGIS for conversion.


  1. Projection Problems After Conversion


Fix by defining a .projection:

In GDAL:

gdal_edit.py -a_srs EPSG:4326 output.tif

In QGIS:

  • Right-click layer → Set CRS


  1. Large File Size After Conversion


GeoTIFF files can be much larger than MrSID due to less aggressive compression.

Use compression options:


-co COMPRESS=LZW-co COMPRESS=DEFLATE

Best Workflow for GIS Professionals


For maximum compatibility:


  1. Open MrSID in ArcGIS (if available)

  2. Export to GeoTIFF

  3. Optimize with GDAL compression.

  4. Validate projection

  5. Upload or integrate into your GIS workflow.


If working entirely open-source:


  1. Verify GDAL MrSID support.

  2. Convert using gdal_translate

  3. Validate CRS and metadata.


MrSID remains widely used for distributing large aerial imagery datasets. However, because it’s proprietary, conversion to GeoTIFF is often necessary for modern GIS, web mapping, and AI-based spatial analysis.


For more information or any questions about MrSID, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849


(A GeoWGS84 Corp Company)

 
 
 

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