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GeoTIFF vs TIFF
GeoTIFF is TIFF with geospatial reference tags; an ordinary TIFF raster may contain no map coordinates.
Which format should you choose?
Choose GeoTIFF when GIS workflows need image pixels tied to a location; use ordinary TIFF when georeferencing is not needed. A general image editor may strip GeoTIFF tags when saving.
Good fit for GeoTIFF
Exchanging georeferenced maps, satellite imagery, and elevation rasters
- Keeping raster pixels with coordinate reference and projection information
- Sharing imagery between GIS and Earth-science tools
Good fit for TIFF
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
- High-quality editing and print workflows
- Scans stored with known settings
Basic information
| Field | GeoTIFF | TIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .tif, .tiff | .tif, .tiff |
| MIME type | image/tiff | image/tiff |
| Common uses | Exchanging georeferenced maps, satellite imagery, and elevation rasters | Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images |
| How to open | Open it in GIS or remote-sensing software that supports GeoTIFF. Check CRS/EPSG, pixel-to-map transform, axis order, pixel size, NoData, bands, and compression. Re-saving in an ordinary image editor may remove geospatial tags. | Open TIFF in an image editor, scanner application, or TIFF-capable viewer. Check compression, color space, and page count when it does not open as expected. |
| Export or convert | Exporting to PNG or JPEG may discard coordinates, raster values, or bands. For GeoTIFF or Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF conversion, validate CRS, bounds, resolution, NoData, pixel values, and required tags. | For web sharing, export a copy to JPEG, PNG, or WebP. Before conversion, check bit depth, transparency, multiple pages, color management, and any loss from compression. |
Choose by use case
Keeping raster pixels with coordinate reference and projection information
Exchanging georeferenced maps, satellite imagery, and elevation rasters
GeoTIFFSharing imagery between GIS and Earth-science tools
Exchanging georeferenced maps, satellite imagery, and elevation rasters
GeoTIFFHigh-quality editing and print workflows
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
TIFFScans stored with known settings
Scans and archival image workflows · Print and production images
TIFFKey point 1
Both store TIFF raster imagery, but GeoTIFF adds tags for raster-to-map coordinates and coordinate reference systems.
More on the differencesKey point 2
GeoTIFF targets GIS and remote sensing; TIFF is a general raster format. The .tif and .tiff extensions are used for both.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use GeoTIFF for maps, satellite imagery, and elevation rasters that need location information. Use ordinary TIFF when geographic coordinates are unnecessary. Preserve the geospatial tags with GIS-capable tools.
- GeoTIFF follows TIFF raster storage and adds geospatial tags describing the coordinate reference system and mapping from raster pixels to model space.
- Ordinary TIFF can store scans, photos, and print imagery without georeferencing. Extensions .tif/.tiff do not distinguish it from GeoTIFF.
- Editing or exporting can remove CRS, transforms, NoData, bands, or pixel values. Validate spatial placement after conversion and retain the source.
Frequently asked questions
Does the .tif extension prove that a file is GeoTIFF?
No. Both georeferenced GeoTIFF and ordinary TIFF commonly use .tif or .tiff; inspect the tags with GIS software.