OSM map: get GeoTIFF instead of converting CSV → GeoTIFF
Looking to turn a map from CSV into GeoTIFF? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate CSV file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready GeoTIFF. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download CSV → upload to a converter → get GeoTIFF": you pick an area on the map, choose the GeoTIFF format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How CSV differs from GeoTIFF
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSV | .csv | GIS | Excel analysis, database import, Python/R data processing, visualization |
| GeoTIFF | .tif | Raster | GIS analysis, remote sensing, CAD base maps, orthophotos |
How to get GeoTIFF on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the GeoTIFF format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready GeoTIFF file
GeoTIFF format properties
| Extension | .tif |
| Type | Raster |
| Purpose | GIS analysis, remote sensing, CAD base maps, orthophotos |
When you need GeoTIFF
The GeoTIFF format is handy when you need to open the result in a dedicated program and keep working with the map: editing, printing, analysing or embedding it in a project. osm2cdr delivers GeoTIFF split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going CSV → GeoTIFF
Going CSV → GeoTIFF, vector objects are rasterised into geo-referenced pixels: the resolution is fixed and per-object editing and attributes are lost. Such a raster suits layer overlays and remote-sensing work. osm2cdr draws OpenStreetMap data and outputs GeoTIFF directly, with no intermediate CSV file.
If you have your own CSV file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party CSV files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own CSV file that is not from OSM, convert it to GeoTIFF with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the CSV and save the layer as GeoTIFF. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: CSV → GeoTIFF
Can I upload my CSV file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading CSV files at the moment, so convert your file to GeoTIFF with ogr2ogr or QGIS. And if your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you don't need a file at all — osm2cdr exports the map straight into GeoTIFF.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to GeoTIFF on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the GeoTIFF format and download the result.
Which programs open GeoTIFF?
The GeoTIFF format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the GeoTIFF format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online CSV → GeoTIFF converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source CSV file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds GeoTIFF with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate CSV file.