GeoTIFF (Georeferenced TIFF)
Price before paymentGeoTIFF is a raster format with embedded georeferencing. The map is saved as a TIFF image with coordinates, projection, and metadata. The de facto standard for georeferenced raster maps. Exported at print resolution (300 DPI by default).
OpenStreetMap data as of 5 October 2026 · 27 days ago
Key Features
About GeoTIFF Format
GeoTIFF is an ordinary TIFF with coordinates written into its tags: where the top left corner lies, what the pixel size is and which coordinate system all of it is recorded in. A GIS program opens such a file and immediately puts the picture in its place on the ground — there is nothing to georeference by hand.
A raster map is needed where vectors are excessive or awkward: an underlay beneath your own layers, a print-ready original, an overlay on a satellite image, material for interpretation and for raster algorithms.
The file contains a map page drawn in the chosen style and saved as a georeferenced image. The default resolution is 300 DPI, that is print quality; the default sheet is A4 landscape. LZW compression is lossless, yet noticeably smaller than an uncompressed TIFF.
The default coordinate system is WGS84 (EPSG:4326); the georeferencing sits in the file's own tags, so there is no need to keep any companion files alongside it.
What Program Opens GeoTIFF Files
The following programs and applications can open, edit, and work with GeoTIFF (Georeferenced TIFF) (.tif) files exported from OSM2CDR:
Format specifications
- Open standard
- 2D only
- Lossless (no quality loss)
- No attributes
- Output: 1 file
- GeoTIFF (OGC) with georeferencing tags. Single .tif file; default LZW compression. Standard for GIS raster.
Who Uses GeoTIFF Maps
How to Export GeoTIFF
How to Open After Export
- QGIS (free) — drag the .tif into the program window: the layer lands in place and the projection is detected automatically.
- ArcGIS and Global Mapper — Add Data; the raster attaches as an underlay beneath your vector layers.
- Google Earth Pro — File → Import, choose the GeoTIFF: the map lands on the globe (for heavy files the program will offer to reduce the resolution).
- GDAL — gdalinfo map.tif shows the georeferencing and the projection, and gdalwarp -t_srs EPSG:3857 map.tif out.tif reprojects the raster for a web map.
- Printing — the file is calculated for 300 DPI and goes to print as is; in Photoshop or GIMP do not change the pixel dimensions, otherwise you will lose both quality and the match to the scale.
Popular maps in GeoTIFF
Get GeoTIFF (Georeferenced TIFF) map exports
Download professional GeoTIFF maps from OpenStreetMap. Any area, with the price shown before payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare with Other Formats
Convert to GeoTIFF and back
GeoTIFF guides and tutorials
Related Formats
Frequently Exported Together
Related Articles
GeoTIFF — Georeferenced Raster Maps: What It Is, History 1995-2026, How to Export from OpenStreetMap
Deep guide to GeoTIFF: TIFF with coordinate tags from NASA/JPL and OGC, version 1.1 standard from 2019, how to open in Q
guideDownload a GeoTIFF by coordinates: a base map for exactly the area you need
How to download a GeoTIFF map by coordinates: what a georeferenced raster is, how to set the area bounds, choose a coord
guideWGS 84, EPSG:4326 and EPSG:3857 — which coordinate system you need
How WGS 84, EPSG:4326 and EPSG:3857 differ in plain words: datum, degrees and web mercator. Why the map drifts and when